Moonstone

This statue was carved out of a moonstone rock.

Moonstone is the opalescent variety of orthoclase, with a blue white sheen, rather like the shine of a moon after which it is named. This is caused by reflection of light from the internal structure, made up of alternating layers of albite. The moonstone is characterised by an enchanting play of light. Indeed it owes its name to that mysterious shimmer which always looks different when the stone is moved and is known in the trade as 'adularescence'. In earlier times, people believed they could recognise in it the crescent and waning phases of the moon. These discreet colours, in connection with the fine shimmer, make the moonstone an ideal gemstone for jewelry with a sensual, feminine aura. This gemstone was very popular once before, about a hundred years ago at the time of Art Nouveau. This gemstone is surrounded by a good deal of mystique and magic. In many cultures, for example in India, it is regarded as a holy, magical gemstone. In India, moonstones are also regarded as 'dream stones' which bring the wearer beautiful visions at night. In Arabic countries, women often wear moonstones sewn out of sight into their garments, for in their cultures the moonstone is a symbol of fertility. The best moonstones come from the lands Burma and Sri Lanka. Other lands include India, Madagascer, Brazil and Tanzania.