Metaphysical Properties of Moonstone

• Element: Wind
• Birthstone: June / Cancer
• Chakras: 6th (Third Eye) and 7th (Crown)

A strongly feminine stone, moonstone can help the overly-masculine balance and maintain a healthy equilibrium between the male and female energies. When used by males, it will stimulate the right side of the brain, encouraging nonlinear thinking and emotional balance. When used by females, it initiates the kundalini energy and promotes clairvoyance. This is a stone of mystery and aids in clearing the auric field, activating the sixth and seventh chakras and the central chakric column of energy. Coupled with its subtle reflective calming energy, this stone helps strengthen intuition and psychic perception, bringing one into harmony with the universe as well. Like the waxing and waning cycles of the moon, the use of Moonstone encourages one to pay attention to the cycles of his or her own life. Moonstone can help one sort through one's emotions to gain a higher perspective on their purpose and meaning. It is excellent for releasing frustration and adhering to the natural progress of the cycles of life while promoting patience.

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History of Moonstone

Moonstone has long since been a popular stone. Especially with the Romans, who thought it was formed out of moonlight and used it in jewelry since 100 AD. Even in India moonstone is considered a sacred stone to this day. Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD), Roman historian, naturalist and author of the world's first encyclopedia, referred to stones called astrions, meaning "star-stones", which are believed to have been moonstones. He described them as "a colorless stone... having within it the appearance of a star shining brightly like the full moon." This has always been considered a "feminine" and "Goddess" stone and the gem of the High Priestess, keeper of the feminine mysteries.

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Chemical Composition of Moonstone

• Hardness: 6 - 6.5
• Crystal System: Monoclinic, Prismatic
• Composition: Potassium Aluminum Silicate

Moonstone is composed of two feldspar species, orthoclase and albite. When the two species are intermingled, the newly formed mineral cools and the intergrowth of orthoclase and albite separates into stacked, alternating layers. When light falls between these thin, flat layers, it scatters in many directions producing the phenomenon called adularescence. Moonstone is found in Brazil, European Alps, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and USA (Pennsylvania and Virginia).