Moonstone

Subtle, smooth and intoxicating, the moonstone is a classic symbol of love. Cultures have valued the moonstone as a magical gemstone since ancient times, as it was supposed to represent the Goddess Diana. Many used it as a good luck charm, bringing themselves success in love and business.

There are two types of moonstones – adularia and albite. Adularia, native to India, Madagascar, Burma and Sri Lanka, is transparent and gray, blue, white, pink, green, or brown in color. Albite, found in Canada is translucent with a pale shimmer.

Moonstone is actually an ore belonging to the feldspar family of silicate minerals. Feldspar minerals contain varying amounts of potassium, sodium, calcium, aluminum, silicon and oxygen and represent over one third of the rocks on Earth today. The albite and orthoclase feldspar in the moonstone lay in closely-knit layers, causing an interruption of light that makes the gem resemble a milky, full moon.

Prized by women, moonstone necklaces, pendants and cameos are among the best gifts a suitor can give his love on a full moon night.