Moonstone (gemstone) 1
Moonstone (gemstone)
Moonstone
General
Category Feldspar variety
Identification
Color Can be numerous colors, including blue, grey, white, pink,
green and brown
Fracture uneven to conchoidal
Mohs scale hardness 6.0
Luster Opalescent
Streak white
Specific gravity 2.61
Moonstone is a sodium potassium aluminium silicate, with the
chemical formula (Na,K)AlSi3O8.
EtymologyIts name is derived from a visual effect, or sheen,
caused by light diffraction within a microstructure consisting of
aregular succession of feldspar layers.
HistoryMoonstone has been used in jewelry for centuries,
including ancient civilizations. The Romans admired moonstone,as
they believed it was born from solidified rays of the moon.[1] Both
the Romans and Greeks associated Moonstonewith their lunar deities.
In more recent history, the moonstone became popular during the Art
Nouveau period;French goldsmith Ren Lalique and many others created
a large quantity of jewelry using this stone.[2]
GeologyThe most common moonstone is of the mineral adularia. The
plagioclase feldspar oligoclase also producesmoonstone specimens.
Moonstone is feldspar with a pearly and opalescent luster.[3] An
alternative name ishecatolite.
FormationMoonstone is composed of two feldspar species,
orthoclase and albite. The two species are intermingled. Then,
asthe newly formed mineral cools, the intergrowth of orthoclase and
albite separates into stacked, alternating layers.When light falls
between these thin, flat layers, it scatters in many directions
producing the phenomenon calledadularescence.
Moonstone (gemstone) 2
Occurrence
Polished cabochon
Deposits of moonstone occur in Australia, the Austrian Alps,
Mexico,Madagascar, Burma, Norway, Poland, India, Sri Lanka[4] and
theUnited States.
It is currently the state gem for Florida.
References[1] "Moonstone" (http:/ / www. addmorecolortoyourlife.
com/ gemstones/ moonstone.
asp) American Gem Trade Association. Retrieved 21 January
2011.[2] "Moonstone" (http:/ / www. gemstone. org/ index.
php?option=com_content&
view=article& id=126:sapphire& catid=1:gem-by-gem&
Itemid=14) InternationalColored Gemstone Association. Retrieved 26
April 2012.
[3] http:/ / www. mindat. org/ min-2774. html Mindat.org[4]
"Moonstone" (http:/ / www. britannica. com/ EBchecked/ topic/
391441/ moonstone) Encyclopdia Britannica, 2011. Web. 20 Jan.
2011.
Article Sources and Contributors 3
Article Sources and ContributorsMoonstone (gemstone) Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=608402024 Contributors:
Adam Dean, Allens, Altamel, Andreasmperu, Andres, Andrewpmk,
Anonymous from the21st century, Auntof6, BBleeker, BD2412,
Babyfromearth, Bryancpark, Cluginbuhl, Darkwind, Drcrathie,
Epbr123, Franco aq, Fredwerner, Glacialfox, Gobonobo, Guy Harris,
Hanoi Girl,Horologium, Husond, Infinity Warrior, JoJan, Johan Lont,
Josh Parris, Jphook, Kakofonous, Kgiordan, LindsayH, Linnell,
Maheshaloriya, Mani1, Manop, Melesse, Moonclaw, Nasnema,Nortonius,
OliviaSp, Phrawzty, Quenhitran, Rapetkewicz, Rspavlov, Silvonen,
SkyWalker, Sylfred1977, Talon Artaine, Tide rolls, VMS Mosaic,
Vsmith, Woggly, Woohookitty, Wtmitchell,Yintan, 128 anonymous
edits
Image Sources, Licenses and ContributorsFile:AdulaireSuisse2.jpg
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:AdulaireSuisse2.jpg
License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0,2.5,2.0,1.0
Contributors: DidierDescouensFile:Pierrelune.jpg Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Pierrelune.jpg
License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0 Contributors:
Didier Descouens
LicenseCreative Commons Attribution-Share Alike
3.0//creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
Moonstone (gemstone)EtymologyHistoryGeologyFormation
OccurrenceReferences
License
