Moonstone (gemstone)

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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)AlSi
3
O
8
.
Etymology
Its name is derived from a visual effect, or sheen, caused by light diffraction within a microstructure consisting of a
regular succession of feldspar layers.
History
Moonstone 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 Moonstone
with 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]
Geology
The most common moonstone is of the mineral adularia. The plagioclase feldspar oligoclase also produces
moonstone specimens. Moonstone is feldspar with a pearly and opalescent luster.
[3]
An alternative name is
hecatolite.
Formation
Moonstone is composed of two feldspar species, orthoclase and albite. The two species are intermingled. Then, as
the 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 called
adularescence.
Moonstone (gemstone)
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Occurrence
Polished cabochon
Deposits of moonstone occur in Australia, the Austrian Alps, Mexico,
Madagascar, Burma, Norway, Poland, India, Sri Lanka
[4]
and the
United 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) International
Colored 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
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Article Sources and Contributors
Moonstone (gemstone) Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=608402024 Contributors: Adam Dean, Allens, Altamel, Andreasmperu, Andres, Andrewpmk, Anonymous from the
21st 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 Contributors
File: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: Didier
Descouens
File:Pierrelune.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Pierrelune.jpg License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0 Contributors: Didier Descouens
License
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0
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