Blue Moonstone: Gemstone and Jewelry

Gemstones have been a part of human civilization for thousands of years. People have been fascinated by their colors, beauty, and rarity. Blue moonstone is one such gemstone that has captured the imagination of people for centuries. It is a type of feldspar mineral that exhibits a unique blue sheen, known as adularescence. Blue moonstone has a mystical aura and is believed to have healing properties. It is also a popular gem for jewelry making due to its alluring beauty. In this article, we will explore the world of blue moonstone, its history, properties, and uses in jewelry.

History: 

Moonstone has been known since ancient times and was highly valued by the Greeks and Romans, who associated it with their lunar deities. It was believed to have magical powers of prophecy, protection, and healing. Moonstone was also used in jewelry and decorative objects, such as amulets and talismans.

Blue moonstone is a type of moonstone that was first discovered in the early 20th century in Sri Lanka. It was initially called "blue sheen moonstone" due to its blue sheen, which was caused by the scattering of light from microscopic inclusions. The gemstone's popularity grew rapidly, and it became a favorite gemstone of many jewelers and collectors.

Properties: 

Blue moonstone is a type of feldspar mineral that belongs to the orthoclase group. It has a chemical composition of KAlSi3O8 and a hardness of 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for jewelry making. Blue moonstone's unique blue sheen is caused by the scattering of light from tiny inclusions of albite and orthoclase. The blue sheen is known as adularescence and is the gemstone's most distinctive characteristic.

Blue moonstone is typically transparent and has a white or clear base color, with blue adularescence that can range from a pale blue to a deep blue. The intensity of the blue sheen is influenced by the stone's cut, shape, and thickness. A cabochon cut is the most common cut for moonstone, as it enhances the gemstone's adularescence. Blue moonstone can also exhibit chatoyancy, a phenomenon known as cat's eye moonstone.

Sources: 

Blue moonstone is found in several countries, including Sri Lanka (Ceylon), India, Brazil, Madagascar, Tanzania, Mexico, and the United States. Sri Lanka is the primary source of high-quality blue moonstone, and it is known as Ceylon blue moonstone. Indian blue moonstone is also highly sought after and features a grayish-blue sheen.

Uses: 

Blue moonstone is a popular gemstone for jewelry making due to its beauty and mystical properties. It is used in a variety of jewelry styles, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Blue moonstone is often paired with diamonds, sapphires, or other gemstones to enhance its beauty and elegance.

Blue moonstone is also believed to have healing properties. It is said to balance emotions and promote calmness and inner peace. It is also believed to enhance intuition and promote spiritual awareness. Blue moonstone is often used in meditation and yoga practices to promote relaxation and balance.

Care: 

Blue moonstone is a relatively soft gemstone and should be handled with care to prevent scratches and damage. It should be stored separately from other gemstones and jewelry to prevent damage from rubbing or scratching. Blue moonstone should also be protected from extreme temperatures and chemicals.

To clean blue moonstone jewelry, use a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as they can damage the gemstone's delicate surface. Blue moonstone should also be protected from exposure to sunlight and other sources of UV radiation, which can cause fading or discoloration.

Blue moonstone is a unique and mystical gemstone that has captivated people's imaginations for centuries. Its blue sheen, known as adularescence, is the gemstone's most distinctive characteristic and is a result of light scattering from microscopic inclusions. Blue moonstone's popularity continues to grow due to its beauty and healing properties, making it a popular choice for jewelry makers and collectors worldwide. Whether you are a gemstone enthusiast or a lover of beautiful jewelry, blue moonstone is a gemstone worth exploring.