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Magical Moonstone
Moonstone’s characteristic feature is a magical play of light. Moonstone is
translucent, and softens the light shining through it to give a pearly moon-like
glow which appears different whenever the stone changes its position. Years ago,
thought to be brought upon by the moon’s phases. This shimmering affect is
called adularescence, and is caused by light being refracted inside the stone
and scattered. Moonstone comes in colorless, white, grey, and subtle yellow, but
always has a blue or white sheen. Rainbow moonstone is colorless with a blue
sheen and a rainbow-like array of colors.
Much mystery surrounds this stone. In India it’s considered sacred to lovers,
and is also known as a “dream stone” bringing beautiful dreams. In Arab
countries women often were moonstone sewn into their garment as a symbol of
fertility. It was also believed to be especially protective to seafarers, who
have been using it since ancient times. During full-moon, moonstone is very
powerful for reconciling love - and as the moon decreases, is said to allow one
to foretell the future.
A feminine stone for the inner-child, female issues and nurturing - but also
used by men who want to reach their female side and to understand dreams.
Moonstone brings confidence and calms the emotions, and aids spirituality,
intuition, and clairvoyance. Also known to protect against fever, dropsy,
fluid-retention and urinary problems. Its soft shine will support the emotional
and dreamy tendencies of a person. Wearing moonstone will also increase your
sensitivity for others.
Classical moonstone from Sri Lanka shimmers pale blue on almost transparent
ground. Moonstone from India has cloudlike plays of light on beige, brown,
green, or orange backgrounds – and some have a cat’s eye or a multi-rayed star.
Since blue moonstones in fine qualities have become scarce in recent time, the
prices have increased. An uncut moonstone looks boring and lacks the play of
light. This is brought out by the cutter’s skills, who must locate the crystal
axis exactly in the zenith of the stone. Classical moonstones are always cut as
cabochons. Moonstone is fragile and should be handled carefully. However, a
jeweler can polish a dulled moonstone back to its original glory.
When purchasing moonstone you will find astonishing differences in price. The
more intense the color, the larger and more transparent the stone, the more
valuable is the gem. Really top quality fine blue moonstone shows an incredible
“three-dimensional” depth of color, which you will see clearly only when tilting
the stone. Such specimens are rare and accordingly valued. Brighter colored
Indian moonstones are usually less expensive, so are opalite
moonstone.
Opalite moonstone is most common today – this looks similar to genuine
moonstone, but is man made. Opalite is a synthetic stone that's only been around
for the past decade or so. Also called opalized glass, the stone has two
personalities. Against a light background, it's milky white and has golden
highlights mixing with faint lilac-blue and other colors around the stone. The
pastel glow is soft and captivating, and it compliments other light-colored
stones like lilac amethyst, blue chalcedony, and rose quartz. Opalite, under
these circumstances, will add a romantic feminine allure to your beaded jewelry.
Once opalite is placed against a darker background, though, the whole stone
changes to a bright icy blue. The golden highlights also change to intense
oranges and reds, like the "fires" you see in opals. The stone practically glows
on its own, and demands attention by outshining the stones around it. It loves
to compete with bright colors like fuchsias and turquoise. This is the edgier,
more distinctive side of opalite that makes it perfect to wear during the night
out in the town. The great thing is, opalite always looks refreshingly cool,
whether it's milky white or flashy blue - ideal for summer jewelry. By being
creative with your outfits, you can really have fun wearing the stone. A beaded
belt made with opalite, for example, can become the perfect summer accessory to
a brightly colored evening.
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