Overview of Moonstone
Moonstone is a gemstone composed of feldspar minerals that has an iridescent sheen. A jewel named after the moon should be something different and beautiful. Moonstone gets its name from its resemblance to the color and texture of the moon. It has been used in jewelry for centuries, and is believed to have metaphysical properties such as calming energy, emotional balance, and intuition. Moonstone has been used to treat insomnia, ward off nightmares, and promote vivid dreams as well.
Moonstone is found in many parts of the world, including Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Myanmar, and Tanzania. Some of the most prized varieties of moonstone are the blue and rainbow moonstones from Sri Lanka. Moonstones are iridescent, meaning they show luminous colors that seem to change when seen from different angles. While it doesn’t sparkle in the same way a diamond does, the shimmering moonstone has an ethereal glow that is breathtaking in its own right.
Cultures & Mythology of Moonstone
Different cultures have admired the magical moonstone since ancient times. Moonstone is a staple gem in Roman jewelry for almost two thousand years as they believe it unfolds the Moon Goddess’ image. Diana bestows wealth, love, wisdom, and victory to the wearer of the stone. It was also believed in Rome that such a mineral had the power to purify the mind and enable one to make wise decisions. An Asian legend professed that the greatest blue Moonstones are brought by the tides every 21 years, while other legends claim that it can give the powers of prophecy. Therefore, it is considered a symbol of lunar energy and protection.
In India, the moonstone is considered more than just a piece of jewelry and is considered a sacred stone that brings good fortune. There is a legend in this country that Lakshmi and Vishnu brought moonstone crystals to the earth after receiving them as a gift from the moon. As well, there is a belief in Indian culture that this stone allows one to see the future. Because the moonstone in Indian culture is associated with love and wisdom, it is even a traditional wedding gift and it is believed in India that the stone can reconcile a couple as well.
The ancient Greeks believed in the moonstone’s connection to the three goddesses Artemis, Hecate, and Selene. In Greece, as in India, they believed in the supernatural properties of the moonstone that allowed them to see into the future. The Hellenists also believed the moonstone was a gift from Hyperborea, the land where those close to the gods and especially their loved ones lived. According to legend, it was the Hyperboreans who gave the moonstone to the world, and with it, joy and all kinds of abilities. The stone was attributed to enhancing intuition as well as the manifestation of divination abilities.
Symbolism & Meaning of Moonstone
Not only the official birthstone for the month of June, the moonstone is also an accepted gem for the 13th wedding anniversary. Symbolic of new beginnings and believed to enhance romance in relationships, it is a perfect gem to represent a couple’s special bond as they embark on a new chapter of love and adventure.
The beautiful meaning behind the moonstone is energy. It’s meant to bring you back to wholeness and it also makes for the perfect protective stone. Life is full of twists and turns, you never know what will happen next. With moonstone, you have the strength and the resilience to fight though! This gem, as you will discover, contains healing properties that correlate with its meaning. It has been also popular among healing properties including happiness, good fortune, hope, spiritual insight, abundance, and most importantly, love. In addition, immersed in mystical significance, the moonstone is associated with enhanced intuition, encouraging deeper compassion and empathy and awakening feminine energy.
Overall, moonstone is a unique and beautiful gemstone that has captured the imagination of people for centuries. Whether you are drawn to its mystical properties, its aesthetic appeal, or its historical significance, moonstone is a gemstone that is sure to enchant and inspire.
