Anyone with an interest in stones has probably encountered the lovely
Moonstone. It has undeniable appeal, especially for its lunar associations.
Moonstone has many wonderful metaphysical properties and its appearance alone
inspires tenderness and a soft, loving quality. It brings soothing security
and comfort and can be used to promote inner peace. But its mundane aspects
deserve consideration as well, and can enhance appreciation of the stone.
When working with a stone, it is useful to know something about its
scientific nature: what it's made of, where it's found, how it's formed. Our
Mother Earth has many facets to explore and we begin by understanding - this
involves studying an object's properties on many different levels.
Moonstone is a variety of orthoclase feldspar called Adularia, named for a
locality in the Adula Mountains in Switzerland. The word Orthoclase is of
Greek origin: orthos meaning "upright" and klasis meaning
"fracture" describing the nature of the stone. Moonstone's
soft-looking, pearly sheen, referred to as Adularescence, is caused by light
reflecting internally due to thin layer inclusions. The stones can be
colorless, white or ivory, slivery-gray or bluish in color. Some specimens
have a "layered" appearance while others are translucent, but all
will have the distinguishing luster that gives the stone its common name.
Some will even have rainbow effects.
The feldspar group is very important. Not a single mineral, but a group of
common, rock-forming minerals that all contain aluminum, silicon, and oxygen
with varying proportions of potassium, sodium, and calcium. They are the most
abundant constituents of rocks, making up about 60 percent of the total
weight of the Earth's crust. Orthoclase is part of the potassium group. Pure
feldspar is used in the making of porcelain and as a mild abrasive.
Consider this: Oxygen and silicon are the most abundant elements in the
Earth's crust. Silicon plays the same central role as carbon does in the
organic world - its compounds make up about 87 percent of the rock and soil.
This makes Moonstone a very "earthy" gem.
One of the alternative birthstones for the month of June and associated with
the astrological signs of Cancer, Libra, and Scorpio, Moonstone is also
linked with all the water-signs as it is a stone of comfort and
representative of the Goddess. It is associated with lunar energy and is a
great stone for women, especially useful for feminine cycles, and is useful
for all rhythms of the body. It enhances flexibility and flow in life, easing
stress and anxiety for both men and women and it has a balancing effect,
especially on emotions and female hormones. Women may find moonstone helpful
during the menstrual cycle, especially to ease discomfort and promote
regulation. It can be carried, worn, or placed in the pillowcase while
sleeping. Men find it useful in connecting with the emotional side of their
personality. It is a stone of feeling, especially love.
Moonstone is reputed to be the "traveler's stone" and may be
carried to bring good fortune. I always carry one in my pocket while
traveling or wear one as a pendant. It's also good for stimulating "new
beginnings" and for hoping, wishing - to determine one's needs instead
of wants. It may also be used for the heart and sacral charkas, and to
strengthen confidence and composure. In addition, Moonstone is lovely in
jewelry, particularly when paired with silver. It's also a perfect compliment
to Full Moon rituals. Surround a candle with a ring of moonstones. Put them
in your bath or set them on the edge of the tub. Charge them with moonlight
on the night of the full moon.
Moonstone should be relatively easy to find, I have ordered specimens by mail
and have found them in a variety of metaphysical and craft stores -
particularly nature shops. I found a large bag of them marketed as an
educational tool for children for just a few dollars at a local campground.
Often state and national park gift shops will have bins of tumbled stones
where you can choose your own and pay a price per bag; many times there are
moonstones in these collections. Use care when handling and storing
Moonstone; it is slightly harder than glass but not as hard as quartz and can
be easily scratched.
Whether you follow a path of nature spirituality or simply have a passion for
lovely stones, bringing Moonstone into your life is sure to add a beautiful,
magical quality to every aspect on levels both mystical and mundane.
RECOMMENDED TITLES:
CUNNINGHAM'S ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CRYSTAL, GEM & METAL MAGIC:
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LOVE IS IN THE EARTH:
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CRYSTAL ENCHANTMENTS:
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CRYSTAL WISDOM: SPIRITUAL PROPERTIES OF CRYSTALS AND GEMSTONES:
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HEALING WITH GEMSTONES AND CRYSTALS:
A complete guide to healing the body, mind and spirit with the aid of gemstones and crystals.
ILLUSTRATED ELEMENTS OF CRYSTAL HEALING:
This comprehensive guide shows how crystals can be used to bring well-being to all areas of life.
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