Moonstone: Difference between revisions
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Whether moonstone was known in the [[Middle Ages]] is uncertain. [[Pliny]]'s description of ''selenite'' would indicate at least a second hand knowledge of the [[stone]]. But his description could also apply to gypsum, a fairly common mineral. On the other hand, [[Albertus Magnus]]' description of the same stone a thousand years later is vague and confused. Possibly, the name "moonstone" was applied to a variety of [[gemstone]]s, such as ''cat's-eye'', ''[[opal]]'', and ''star [[sapphire]]''. |
Whether moonstone was known in the [[Middle Ages]] is uncertain. [[Pliny]]'s description of ''selenite'' would indicate at least a second hand knowledge of the [[stone]]. But his description could also apply to gypsum, a fairly common mineral. On the other hand, [[Albertus Magnus]]' description of the same stone a thousand years later is vague and confused. Possibly, the name "moonstone" was applied to a variety of [[gemstone]]s, such as ''cat's-eye'', ''[[opal]]'', and ''star [[sapphire]]''. |
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Chemically moonstone is a member of the ''feldspar'' group (potassium aluminum silicate). With a hardness of '6' it is somewhat soft for a gemstone, but durable enough when cut en cabochon to be used in most jewelry applications. Moonstone beads are especially popular. |
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[[category:gemstones]] |
[[category:gemstones]] |
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Revision as of 15:43, 4 December 2006
Moonstone is a chatoyant variety of feldspar that occurs in all the colors of the full moon—silver white, golden peach, and slate blue. There are also colorless varieties, known as rainbow moonstone, which are especially prized. Regardless of color, all moonstone exhibits a silvery blue gleam that appears to come from just below the surface. The best grades of moonstone come from India, where according the some accounts, the stone was held to be sacred.
Whether moonstone was known in the Middle Ages is uncertain. Pliny's description of selenite would indicate at least a second hand knowledge of the stone. But his description could also apply to gypsum, a fairly common mineral. On the other hand, Albertus Magnus' description of the same stone a thousand years later is vague and confused. Possibly, the name "moonstone" was applied to a variety of gemstones, such as cat's-eye, opal, and star sapphire.
Chemically moonstone is a member of the feldspar group (potassium aluminum silicate). With a hardness of '6' it is somewhat soft for a gemstone, but durable enough when cut en cabochon to be used in most jewelry applications. Moonstone beads are especially popular.
