Moonstone

Moonstone is a variety of feldspar in the mineral group orthoclase. During formation, orthoclase and albite separate into alternating layers, and when light diffracts between them, it produces a phenomenon called adularescence where a ghostly sheen moves under the surface, like moonlight glowing in water. This also popularly occurs in labradorite and sanidine. According to Hindu mythology, and also believed by the Romans and Greeks, moonstone is made up of solidified moonbeams and are closely associated with their lunar deities. At one time, moonstone was called “adularia” for the city in Switzerland where it originated, now named St. Gotthard. Moonstone is thought to be a symbol of light and hope and represents inner clarity, and feminine connections like fertility, softness, and intuition.