Moonstone is an aptly named gemstone with a glow of shimmering light that emanates from within the stone in an optical phenomena called adularescence.

This feldspar gem does not exhibit color that is caused by what the material itself is made of nor from the arrangement of its atoms. 

The pseudochromatic hue of Moonstone comes from the interference effect caused by various films or layers such as the rainbow produced by oil on a wet street.
Very thin alternating layers of two translucent minerals, albite and orthoclase, act as films that produce the internal glow. 

Moonstone gems can also display the optical phenomena called chatoyance or cats eye.  This is caused by light reflected from many parallel layers of fine needle-like inclusions (see phenomenal gems).

Although Moonstone is a relatively soft gem, 6 on the Mohs hardness scale, it is somewhat tough and makes a good jewel.  The best quality is found in Ceylon and Myanmar but there are quantities of Moonstone found in India, Madagascar and the USA.
From translucent to almost transparent, the Moonstone gem lives up to its name with a shimmering glow of color ranging from white to blue and even a lovely pink.

The Moonstone is a traditional gift among lovers, for it arouses the tender passions.  Legend has it that they can predict the future of their relationship by placing a Moonstone in their mouth when the moon is full. 

It is thought that a benevolent spirit dwells within the Moonstone and when worn on a Monday, brings the wearer good luck.  During the 15th to 20th century the birthstone for the month of August was a shimmering Moonstone.

Moonstone

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