Moonstone, or adularia, is a mysterious mineral. Many believe that it has magical properties. Jewelers also value it, since adularia is beautiful and rarely found in nature. All this encourages criminals to actively counterfeit the gem. Not everyone knows how to distinguish a moonstone from a fake. Sometimes finding a fake is not difficult, but in some cases you may need the help of an expert.
Origin of the name moonstone
According to the description, the gem is characterized by a thin lamellar structure. This is precisely what accounts for its unique brilliance. The mineral can be transparent or translucent. In appearance it resembles chalcedony.
Moonstone is also called adularia. This is due to the fact that the crystal was first discovered on Mount Adula in Switzerland.
The origin of the Moon stone is associated with many secrets and legends. Among them it is worth highlighting the following:
- The ancient Greeks were sure that the gem was a gift from the people of the legendary Hyperborea. An ordinary stone has turned into a unique mineral, which received its unusual iridescence thanks to the Moon. It was believed that this celestial body polished the gem during the full moon.
- Ancient peoples believed that the mineral represented the frozen light of the night star - its petrified rays.
- Moonstone arose artificially thanks to the efforts of Chaldean alchemists.
- The Moon gave the gem to the Hindu gods Lakshmi and Vishnu.
- The stone was created by Satan to cause greed in Adam and Eve. When the plan failed, the devil cursed the gem.
- In Rus', moonstone was called tausin. Translated from Persian, this name means “peacock”. It is associated with amazing iridescence on the surface of the gem.
A ring with this amazing mineral
Products made from moonstone began to enjoy extraordinary popularity in the second half of the last century. During that period, it began to be most actively mined. Jewelry specimens that are used to create jewelry are found in Sri Lanka and Myanmar. Orthoclase is also mined in Russia. Its deposits are present on the Kola Peninsula. They are also in the Urals and Khabarovsk.
Moonstone is highly fragile. Therefore, it is not recommended to subject it to serious mechanical stress.
This stone is considered not precious, but ornamental. However, it is highly sought after among jewelers and people who collect. Adularia is used to make inexpensive jewelry that is perfect for every day.
Many people try to find luminous specimens that have a unique shape. Most often, adularia is combined with silver frames. Such products look very sophisticated and elegant.
Very beautiful and exquisite jewelry is made from this mineral.
Story
In the Alpine mountains, people often found transparent shimmering stones that seemed to glow with a cold and mysterious light, like the moon. The reason for this phenomenon lies in the special thin-plate structure of the mineral. It was thanks to this feature that they began to call it moonstone. The mineral received its official name “Adularia” in honor of the Adula Mountains located in the Swiss Alps.
Existing colors and characteristics of adularia
Adularia is a stone that comes in many varieties. They differ in structure and shades. This means that each person will be able to choose the most suitable option.
Natural moonstone is usually called different types of quartz. These include amazonite, feldspar, and selenite. This category also includes labradorite, gypsum, and belomorite. However, experts note that moon rocks are minerals that are characterized by opalescence characteristics. The following gems correspond to it:
- Belomorite is a matte crystal. It may have a snow-white or milky white color with a bluish tint. The gem got its name from the place where it was mined. It is found on the shores of the White Sea.
- Adularia is a yellowish mineral. It may have a transparent or translucent structure. Adularia or moonstone is a subtype of orthoclase. The structure contains microscopic inclusions of albite. They reflect light, creating a shimmering glow. This stone is very rare and has a high cost. The most valuable type is considered to be a mineral with a blue glow.
- Sanidine - its value can be determined by the intensity of the shade. The rarest and most expensive are blue samples, which are distinguished by the play of shades in 3D mode. At the same time, multi-color Indian samples are also available on the market. They have an affordable price.
- Labradorite is a black gemstone that is characterized by unique color transitions. The stone was first found on a Canadian island of the same name. Then they began to mine it in other regions.
In Russia, Labrador is found in the Khabarovsk Territory. It is often used as cladding. You can find the mineral on the external surfaces of various buildings or at metro stations.
Adularia has a yellowish color.
Separately, Labrador is divided into the following varieties:
- black stone - is a dark mineral, which is characterized by blue and blue sparkles;
- sunstone - is of American origin and has a golden glow;
- spectrolite is a Finnish mineral characterized by colored tints.
Labradorite is distinguished by multi-colored tints when the angle of incidence of light changes. This phenomenon resembles the northern lights and is called Labradorization.
Any lunar gem has several shades at the same time. Therefore, division by color is considered very conditional. However, each stone has a main dominant shade, which is complemented by multi-colored tints. These include the following colors:
- white;
- lilac;
- black;
- light gray with a bluish tint;
- colorless;
- lactic.
Various types of natural moonstones with a cat's eye effect are considered very valuable. The “starry sky” on the surface also looks very attractive.
The white mineral looks very beautiful.
Magical and healing properties of the mineral
Adularia attracts people with its extraordinary charm and unique properties. Its importance is difficult to overestimate. The gem provides peace and mental balance. With its help, you can restore strength and improve your personal life. Adularia stone has magical properties and is used for healing.
The healing properties of the mineral have been known since ancient times. The works of the famous physician Avicenna describe the benefits of moonstone crushed into powder. It was used internally to combat many diseases.
The mineral has a healing effect on the human body. For the gem to bring the desired results, it must be in contact with the skin, so wearing jewelry over clothing is not recommended.
By constantly wearing products with a gem, you can get the following results:
- intensify intellectual activity;
- relieve swelling and inflammation;
- reduce epilepsy attacks;
- restore the functioning of the digestive system and genitourinary organs;
- improve the functions of the heart and circulatory system;
- reduce suffering from cancer development;
- facilitate the course of pregnancy and childbirth.
The adularia talisman has calming properties. It helps cope with increased irritability, anxiety and fears.
To promote normal sleep, it is recommended to place the stone under your pillow before going to bed.
An amulet with this mineral has pronounced healing properties.
Healers and traditional healers are confident that the stone can be used for medicinal purposes from a distance. To do this, simply place the purified gem in a photo of the patient and ask him to alleviate the condition.
Use in magical rituals
Moonstone has been used by magicians and sorcerers since ancient times. This mineral can enhance supernatural abilities. However, to do this, it needs to be properly charged. The properties of moonstone are most evident on Mondays.
Esotericists are sure that the crystal absorbed the magic of the Moon and the Earth. With its help it is possible to achieve the following results:
- improve your energy field;
- attract good luck;
- cope with emotional distress;
- improve your condition even in the most difficult situations;
- protect yourself from energy influences, including damage and the evil eye;
- become more charming and attractive.
The magical properties of the adularia stone are also revealed in love matters. With the help of this gem, you can understand how sincere your partner’s feelings are. If they are absent, the mineral becomes dull. Thus, he warns his owner that the relationship will cause disappointment, and therefore it is better to end it in time.
If the talisman begins to glow even more, this indicates mutual feelings and harmonious relationships. You can be sure that the stone will protect them in difficult life situations.
Moonstone looks very beautiful.
Esotericists are sure that the moonstone itself chooses its owner. At the same time, a person must have pure thoughts and intentions. The gem completely protects its owner. Also, its effect extends to people close to the owner.
You can turn to the crystal in difficult situations, and it will certainly help. On a full moon, you can stand in a moonlit place, take a pebble in your left palm and ask for an important wish to be fulfilled.
It is strictly forbidden to ask an amulet to punish another person. In this case, the stone will miraculously disappear or lose its magical properties.
Moonstone in Feng Shui
Moonstone is also popular in Feng Shui. It is considered a symbol of the water element and helps to activate energy flows in the southwest of the house - this is where the zone of Love and Marriage is located. If you place the mineral in this place, it will help smooth out conflict situations and ensure the creation of a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
To restore spiritual harmony and normalize your emotional state, it is recommended to engage in meditation using the mineral. To do this, you need to retire and relax as much as possible.
It is best to meditate late in the evening - in the moonlight. It is recommended to do this before bed. To conduct the session, you need to sit comfortably and pick up the adularia. It is best to use the unprocessed variety. But if it is not there, a purified gem will do.
When choosing jewelry, you should focus on your horoscope.
Favorable time to buy
A lunar gem will not only be a decoration, but also a magical assistant and doctor if it is bought, brought into the house and started to be used on a certain lunar day:
Type of stone | Purchase (lunar day) | Beginning of use (lunar day) |
adularia | 2 | 16 |
Labrador | 5 | 19 |
selenite | 13 | 27 |
belomorite | 14 | 28 |
For which zodiac sign is moonstone suitable as a talisman?
Adularia is suitable for different zodiac signs. With the help of this mineral they will be able to improve their positive qualities:
- Moonstone helps lazy and phlegmatic Virgos find their other half.
- According to the horoscope, Libra will be able to reveal their creative potential with the help of the stone. In addition, the gem helps them express their sensuality.
- Pisces will be able to develop their already heightened intuition.
- The Aquarius mineral will protect against envy and the evil eye. For representatives of this sign, the gem will add prudence and make them more flexible.
- Taurus and Gemini will be able to balance their emotional background with the help of the stone. The gem will help get rid of nervousness and imbalance.
- Cancers will be able to become calmer. With the help of the stone they will have confidence in the future.
- Scorpios will be able to unleash their creative potential.
At the same time, moonstone is prohibited from being used by representatives of fire signs - Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. Their gem will only push them to new unrest.
Adularia does not fit with the energy of Capricorns. He is able to enhance their shortcomings - stubbornness and impatience.
To distinguish a natural mineral from a copy, you need to hold it in your hands.
Interesting Facts
In India, the lunar mineral is presented as a gift to lovers; it is believed that it can bring good luck and awaken tender and passionate feelings.
In ancient Greek mythology, the stone was associated with Hyperborea, a state of superhumans close to the gods.
In Europe, young girls loved the gem, believing that it brought happiness in love and helped them get married successfully.
There is a belief that when a white spot appears on the surface of a crystal, lunar power and energy are transferred to the stone.
People who use a crystal for magical purposes do so carefully, for fear of awakening the ancient power of the talisman.
How to distinguish a fake from the original
Since gem deposits are gradually depleted, there is a risk of encountering a fake. To distinguish a natural stone from a copy, you need to consider the following:
- The natural mineral has a silky surface and has minor defects.
- A real stone has a reflection that appears at an angle of 15-20 degrees.
- The gem should be transparent or translucent. It is characterized by overflows.
- In water the mineral becomes brighter.
- Natural adularia heats up slowly in your hands.
Moonstone is a very beautiful and valuable mineral that is used to make spectacular jewelry. In addition, the gem has pronounced magical and healing properties. In order for them to fully reveal themselves, the stone must be chosen correctly and the basic rules for its use must be followed.
Cost of products
The price of a moonstone is determined by size, variety, degree of transparency, and color saturation.
The order of prices is as follows (per carat):
- multi-color Indian gem: weighing up to 1 carat - $2-31, 3-5 carats - $80-350;
- Labradorite - $12–15 ($60–75 per gram);
- “rainbow” (transparent with a rare play of reflections) - from $100;
- blue Sri Lankan - from $500.
The cost of jewelry with an adularia made of ordinary metal is 550-700, in silver - from 1200 rubles.