Moonstone as a Gemstone

Moonstone is actually a variety of oligoclase crystal and is a member of feldspar family of minerals. Some folks also refer to oligoclase as sunstone and can be found in colors ranging from yellow to orange. Moonstones are commonly found in several colors including green and pale yellow or blue and often translucent or colorless with a noticeable blue or white shimmer. This is a relative soft stone and can be easily scratched if the wearer is not careful. Cleaning usually requires no more than mild soap and water. Avoid the use of harsh cleaners and abrasives so as not to score the surface of the stone. Synthetic stones are available on the market and care should be taken when looking for genuine oligoclase. Genuine high quality moonstone is not commonly used as costume jewelry.

History

This stone can be found in such diverse areas of the world as the United States, principally in Virginia, Brazil, Europe, India and Mexico and even the Alps in Europe. The stones of the highest quality are thought to come from the island nation of Sri Lanka. The use of moonstone as a gemstone dates back to the Roman Empire. More recently, the stone was very popular in at the turn of the twentieth century and became a prominent part of the Art Nouveau movement. The stone has been growing in popularity in North America and has been a gemstone favorite in Europe for much longer time.

Birthstone Information

Moonstone is one of two stones recognized as birthstones for the month of June, the other being alexandrite. Though not technically a gemstone, pearl also represents the month of June. Moonstone is associated with the astrological birth sign of Cancer.

New Age Beliefs and Powers Through The Ages

The moonstone is considered by many to be a lovers stone with the ability to inspire great feelings if passion and commitment. In certain cultures such as in India, the stone is regarded as blessed or holy and is thought to bring good fortune to the wearer. In some cultures the stone was thought to make the wearer invisible and is now believed by some in the New Age community to impart a level of spiritual permanence or even immortality to the wearer. Small children and infants are thought to be granted certain protections by owning the stone.

What Are Healing Crystals?

Natural crystal can be called healing crystals and are used to refresh and rejuvenate the body's natural energy. Whilst scientists have studied crystals they do not yet understand all that they can do, and whilst there is no scientific proof that crystals do anything, reports exists from thousands of years ago detailing the healing properties of crystal. Crystal healers believe that healing crystals make changes to the body's energy systems clearing "blockages" and restoring energy flow and balance. There a many kinds of crystal each with a different structure and/or color. Each type is related to different energy, and can help with various emotions or physical problems facing an individual. It should be noted that the only harm you can come to using healing crystals is by not consulting a qualified health professional.

The three crystal stones that everyone should have are Rose quartz, amethyst and hematite, Rose quartz is for unconditional love be it of yourself or others, amethyst is for balancing and hematite is for invoking peace and calm in your life. Other crystals may help you with a particular trial or ailment, but these are probably always going to be around.

Crystals for healing are thought to have vibration energy and placing them on particular parts of the body causes them to drain away any negative energy that may be there, thus opening the body's own energies and promoting well being. A crystal healer will often place healing stones on the Chakras which are the defined in Eastern religions as the energy centers of the body. The Chakras are often given a color that corresponds to the colors of the crystal that is thought to relate most closely to that area of the body or emotions. Healing with crystals usually involves having specific healing stones placed on and around your body.

How do you use crystal in your everyday life?

Well the quickest and easiest way is to go to a crystal shop and choose the ones that appeal to you. Oddly enough these are usually the ones that you need the most, it is almost as if the crystal choose you! Once you have a selection of stones just keep them near you. You can carry them in your pockets or wear them around you neck or just place them around where you work or sit. Notice if over a period of time you feel calmer or more positive. Try it out for yourself.