MOONSTONE

Moonstone is a sodium potassium aluminium silicate of the feldspar group that displays a pearly and opalescent schiller. An alternative name for moonstone is hecatolite

Moonstone is a variety of the feldspar-group mineral orthoclase. It’s composed of two feldspar minerals, orthoclase and albite. At first, the two minerals are intermingled. Then, as the newly formed mineral cools, the intergrown orthoclase and albite separate into stacked, alternating layers. its name is derived from its resemblance to the pale, iridescent glow of the moon.

When light falls between these thin, flat layers, it scatters in many directions, producing the phenomenon called adularescence. Adularescence is the light that appears to billow across a gemstone, giving its surface a glowing appearance.

The most captivating aspect of adularescence is its appearance of motion. The misty light seems to roll across the gem’s surface as you change the viewing angle.

The moonstone is the Florida State Gemstone; it was designated as such in 1970 to commemorate the Moon landings, which took off from Kennedy Space Center. However, it does not naturally occur in the state.

USES

Moonstone has been used in jewelery for a very long time, including ancient civilizations. The Romans admired moonstone, and they believed it was derived from solidified rays of the Moon. Both the Romans and Greeks associated moonstone with their lunar deities. In more recent history, moonstone became popular during the Art Nouveau period; French goldsmith René Lalique and many others created a large quantity of jewelery using this stone.

MOHS HARDNESS

6 to 6.5

LUSTER

In terms of luster, it can be pearly or vitreous (glassy). Streak: Moonstone streaks white.

Polished moonstones often display chatoyancy, “cat’s eye” effect, where a luminous streak appears through the stone. Asterism is rare and produces four-legged stars.

CHEMICAL COMPOUND

Moonstone has the chemical formula (Na,K)AlSi3O8, which indicates that it is a sodium-potassium aluminum silicate mineral.
Composition: It is composed mainly of the mineral albite, which is a sodium-rich feldspar. It can also contain other minerals such as orthoclase, anorthite, and quartz.
Mineral group: It belongs to the feldspar group of minerals, which are the most abundant minerals in the Earth’s crust.
Solubility: It is insoluble in water and most common acids, but it can be dissolved by hydrofluoric acid.
Trace elements: It can contain trace elements such as iron, titanium, and copper, which can affect its color and other physical properties.
Isomorphism: It can exhibit isomorphism, which means that it can have different chemical compositions while retaining the same crystal structure.
Weathering: It can be altered by weathering processes, like exposure to water, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. This can cause the mineral to break down and form other minerals such as clay.

WHERE TO FIND

Deposits of moonstone occur in Armenia, mainly from Lake Sevan, Australia, the Austrian Alps, Mexico, Madagascar, Myanmar, Norway, Poland, India, Sri Lanka, and the United States.

Moonstones can be found in several locations across the United States, including New Mexico, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Wisconsin. Specific locations within these states include Rabb Canyon near San Lorenzo, New Mexico, Harris Pegmatite Mine in Hewlett, Virginia, and the Balsam Mine in Yancey County, North Carolina, as well as Buford, Forsyth County in Georgia. Also, the Wisconsin Moonstone Field near Wausau is a popular spot for digging.

Historically, the most valuable, transparent moonstones with strong blue sheen came from Myanmar. Today, most commercial moonstones come from Sri Lanka.