Moonstone is one of the more common gemstones and it has attributes that many higher priced gemstones don’t have. Moonstone is not an extremely expensive or rare stone, it is a gemstone that is found in feldspar, a stone that makes up 60% of the earth’s crust. Moonstone is popular because of its colors and distinct attributes.Regarding color, the moonstone does come in some of the most prized colors including blue, orange, yellow and even rainbow. While the moonstones colors can be delightful, very feminine and extremely attractive, it is its attribute of adularescence that most consumers find attractive. Adularescence is the attribute that is familiar with high quality moonstones. Moonstones have crystalline structures within them. When light is shined upon these stones, certain light waves bounce around within the crystalline structure and create either a shimmering effect or a wonderful aura. This effect makes the stone look very magical and mystical.
Moonstone can come in many different shapes and sizes, however perhaps the most popular shapes are ovals, spheres and other marble shapes. Sometimes these spherish shapes are sculpted with faces or figures. Many times they are moon faces to go with the theme of the rock.
Because the stone can be found in larger pieces, many stones can be quite larger than normal gems and while the moonstone is usually only a few inches in size at the very most in order to accentuate the crystalline structure and aura, it is mined in much bigger chunks than most other gemstones.
Moonstones are found all over the world and many of the higher quality pieces come from India, Sri Lanka and Brazil.
Color Changing Properties of Moonstone
This June birthstone is greatly valued because of it's capacity to significantly change colors. In comparison with other gem for example diamonds and sapphires, moonstone is a fairly new gem to the market, having only been found close to 150 years ago.History is evident that Moonstone is one of very ancient stone that is still admired by gemstone jewelry lovers. Moonstone is actually a white stone that makes pretty and elegant jewelry, but because of the colorful luster like blue, green, peach, gray, and creamy yellow or yellow-pink, it flashes multicolor appeal. Sterling silver jewelry when blessed with the charm and appealing allure of Moonstone looks dramatically awesome. Birthstone of those fashionable yet subtle fashion lovers, born in the month of June, Moonstone looks absolutely beautiful and attractive.
The color of this gemstone depends on the wavelength of the illuminating light and the chemical bonds that exist in the gem. In moon light moonstone displays a color that is blue, green, peach, gray, and creamy yellow or yellow-pink. This transformation is referred to as the Moonstone effect. It's a result of the chemical mixing of chrysoberyl, which is a rare oxide mineral, and chromium. the lovely color of Moonstone come from chromium.
Moonstone Gemstone Quality
It is important to consider the strength of the color change when evaluating Moonstone. The precious stone is considered rarer and of higher value if the color change is more complete and intense. A further factor to bear in mind is the clarity and cutting quality of the gem. Moonstone that are found in Adula Mountains of Switzerland are believed to be of better quality and color, consequently making them more expensive. The majority of the Moonstone on sale are below 1 carat since larger sizes are too expensive by most people.
Caring for Your Moonstone Jewels
Daily Care and Storage
1 Remove your moonstone jewelry when participating insports, housecleaning, gardening, moving heavy items, or other activities that may expose it to the risk of impact and fine scratches.
2 Take special care not to expose your moonstone jewelry to housecleaning products. Abrasive cleaners, abrasive cloths and acids can dull moonstone. Products containing bleach can pit or discolor many precious metals.
3 Choose a jewelry box with felt lining and compartments to keep your gemstones from touching and rubbing against one another to minimize the risk of fine scratches.
4 Wrap each piece of moonstone jewelry in cloth or felt for added protection.
5 Always store your moonstone jewelry when you're not wearing it to minimize the risk of fine scratches.
Cleaning Your Moonstone Jewelry
1 Choose a gentle commercial, non-acid based jewelry cleaner or a mild solution of several drops of dish detergent and water.
2 Soak the jewelry in the cleaning solution for 2 to 5 minutes.
3 Gently agitate and remove the stone from the solution.
4 Gently buff it dry with a very soft cloth (such as those sold for eyeglass care).
Sources of Moonstone
Fine moonstone, are rare and becoming rarer.
Moonstone is mined in Sri Lanka and Myanmar (formerly Burma). Other moonstone producers are India, Brazil, Madagascar, Australia and the United States.
Mines of historical interest are found in the Adula Mountains of Switzerland.
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