MOONSTONE
Moonstone (Orthoclase) is a semi-translucent stone. It is usually whitish-blue, but can be colourless, yellow, orange, grey, or even reddish. The best moonstone has a blue sheen, perfect clarity, and a colourless body colour. Fine moonstone is quite rare and becoming rarer. Moonstone is usually set as a cabochon. It very popular early in the 20th century and was extensively used in Art Nouveau jewellery. The Romans thought that moonstone was formed out of moonlight and to this day in India it is considered a sacred stone. The electric blue floating light is likened to the light of the moon. It is mined in Sri Lanka and southern India. The rainbow variety can also be found in Madagascar. Moonstone beads also display the iridescent sheen very well and are simply stunning against a black dress.
Hardness 6