Moonstone is a softer stone, sitting at 6.0 - 6.5 on the Mohs Hardness scale. This means that it's surface may be scratched by harder stones such as amethyst. When storing moonstone pieces, use a soft cloth bag to protect the stones and only wipe the surface with a soft cloth if the stones require physical cleaning. Chemical cleaners, steam cleaning and overnight salt water soaking should be avoided, as should prolonged exposure to high temperatures (take your moonstone bracelet or earrings off prior to showering). Recharging your moonstone can be done by placing your stones out overnight in full moonlight, smudging or by placing moonstones overnight with selenium stone.

Moonstone is composed of two feldspar minerals: orthoclase and albite. During formation, the two minerals are blended together, but as the rock begins to cool, the minerals separate into distinct, alternating stacked layers. When light plays through these layers it fragments and scatters, appearing as a wavy iridescence termed adularescence in some classifications and chatoyancy in others. Moonstone naturally occurs in a variety of colours including blue, green, grey, beige and pink (which itself includes a range of colours from peach to pink). They all share the characteristic blue adularescence and softness; at 6.0 on the Moh's hardness scale, moonstone is the softest stone I use (see additional care information accompanying each moonstone piece). This introduction is focused on the white moonstone variety.

​A quick note: Interestingly, "rainbow moonstone," which reflects colours through the majority of the light spectrum (rather than just blue), does not actually share the exact same mineral composition.  While it is a feldspar mineral, from a technical standpoint rainbow moonstone should actually be listed as a form of transparent Labradorite. It is generally accepted as a member of the moonstone family due to the close relation of their mineral compositions.

​Like its namesake, moonstone is tied to the divine feminine (that resides in all bodies), and may be used in meditation to help move deep into the true self.  In work with the chakras, moonstone is most often associated with Sahasrara, the crown chakra.

​The energies ascribed to moonstone are most frequently described as calm and soothing, bringing balance and healing. Working with this stone may open the pathways to intuition, expose patterns of thought hidden within the subconscious. and allow one to tune into and align with their own emotional and physical rhythms.

​If you are looking to connect with your intuition, to open yourself to possibilities that exist beyond the ego, to realign yourself with the rhythms of the emotional and physical bodies and in doing so, find balance and healing, moonstone is a beautiful stone to add to your collection.

​Credits:

 "Gem Encyclopedia: Moonstone." GIA (Gemological Institute of America). www.gia.edu/moonstone

​"Moonstone: What is Moonstone Gemstone?" Geology Page. www.geologypage.com/2019/04/what-is-moonstonegemstone.html#:~:text=Moonstone%20is%20a%20variety%20of,feldspar%20minerals%2C%20orthoclase%20and%20albite.

​"Moonstone Meanings and Uses." Crystal Vaults.  www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/moonstone