The Moonstone
The ethereal gem of June, renowned for its otherworldly glow.
Overview
A jewel named after the moon ought to be intriguing, and this June birthstone certainly is. Jewelry enthusiasts will know that the moonstone isn't a recent discovery. It has existed for centuries and was even found buried in early Egyptian tombs.
Many ancient civilizations have been fascinated by the moonstone, primarily because of its otherworldly beauty. The sheen noticed on this gem's opaque surface is caused by a phenomenon called adularescence. It results in a glow that looks akin to a moon lying still under the calm of the ocean. Today, this gem is climbing the ladder of popularity as a beautiful choice for those who seek subtle elegance.
Symbolism
Across the world's many cultures, there have been several myths attached to the moonstone. Both ancient Romans and Hindus believed that this gem was born from the moon's drops and beams. It is commonly associated with attributes of the moon, such as intuition, romance, femininity, dreams, love, and emotions.
This gem is one of the official birthstones for June and is associated with the zodiac sign Pisces. It was highly favored by the renowned designers of the Art Nouveau era.
Physical Properties
Hardness & Strength
Moonstone has a rating of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, which means it isn't exceptionally sturdy. It also has a property called double cleavage, making it prone to breakage if subjected to a hard blow. It is a delicate gem that needs extra love and care.
Treatment
Unlike many colored gems, moonstones generally do not require any treatments or enhancements. In rare cases, they might be surface-coated. Lab-created moonstones are not currently available in the market, though chalcedony and synthetic spinel may sometimes act as cheap imitations.
Color & Sheen
A variety of feldspar, moonstones can be found colorless, in shades of white, or in body colors ranging from brown, yellow, and green to almost black and grey. However, the best quality gems showcase a vivid adularescence—a glow that can be easily viewed from different angles.
Quality & Grading
Clarity
A high-quality moonstone typically has a clean surface without visible inclusions. It is normal for this gem to develop short pairs of parallel cracks (due to high-pressure formation). Severe inclusions can affect the adularescence and lower its value.
Cut
Cabochon moonstones are frequently used in jewelry because this cut maximizes the presence of adularescence. Faceted moonstones are also in demand as they help conceal inclusions while ensuring the gem's internal glow remains unaffected.
Carat
While available in various sizes and carat weights, discovering high-quality moonstones with a highly valuable blue sheen becomes significantly harder to find in larger carat weights.
Top 1%
Exude a beautiful colorless blue sheen and do not have any eye-visible inclusions.
Top 10%
These gems showcase an almost blue sheen and lack any eye-visible inclusions.
Top 33%
Appearance varies from grey to nearly black, accompanied by slight surface inclusions.
Top 75%
Dark to nearly black in appearance. These gems generally have visible inclusions on the surface.
Care Instructions
A unique iridescence is what makes the moonstone extremely special. To ensure its beauty is not affected by external factors, follow these protective guidelines:
- As a golden rule, take off your moonstone jewelry while performing household chores or strenuous physical activities.
- Protect the gem from high heat, as sudden temperature changes can lead to surface cracks.
- To clean, soak the gem in warm soapy water for five minutes. Do not scrub or brush. Rinse well with plain water.
- Protect the moonstone from bleach and other abrasive chemicals to maintain its shine.
- Never use steam or ultrasonic cleaners on this gem.
- Store your moonstone jewelry separately in a felt-lined box to prevent scratches from harder gemstones.
- If you notice visible scratches or damage, visit a jewelry professional at your earliest convenience.