Moonstone

Moonstone is the commonest type of Feldspar. It has historically been prized for its unique adularescence or schiller effect. The lustrous adularescence effect echoes the milky glow of moonlight, after which it has gained its name.

Moonstones are also known as ‘Adularia’ in reference to Mount Adular, Switzerland, a primary source of moonstone. Other sources of moonstone are found in Burma and Sri Lanka.

Moonstones are rarely cut with intricate facets, like other gemstones such as diamonds which require facets to release their brilliance. Instead, moonstones are typically polished into domed cabochons or smooth slices to showcase their luminous blue to white schiller flashes that are so reminiscent of moonlight shining through a thin veil of night clouds.

Mythologies from across the globe and spanning all ages have linked this form of feldspar to the moon. From the Ancient Roman myths to Hindu legends, moonstones have been believed to be pieces of solidified moonlight. They are often carved into relief faces and set in pendants or rings. This form of amulet embodies the myth of the benevolent ‘man in the moon’ and is commonly thought to be a good luck charm.

 In the Art Nouveau period, moonstones were frequently set in jewellery by great designers such as Rene Lalique and Louis Comfort Tiffany. Moonstones were embraced by this movement both for their ethereal aesthetic and links to Ancient myths and Romantic folklore.