Jewelry Lovers

For the first time we encounter in this delicate, virginal gem, a gemstone from the ranks of the rock-forming feldspars. Taken all together as a group, the feldspars are the most widely distributed mineral association. Their chemical composition divides them into three different combinations of calcium, sodium, and potassium coupled with alumina and silica, all of which may mutually displace one another. Moonstone constitutes their most important and most valuable variety.

The island of Ceylon, treasure house of the world, yields the most charming examples in colors from crystallized veils of mist alternating between soft gray and spring clear, shimmering silvery white.; In the southwest of the island in Weeragoda near Ambalangoda they are dug from secondary sediments of aluminous soil, and also mined as primary constituents of pegmatitic veins with quartz as accessory material. In the Moonstone Temple of Anuradhapura, according to tradition, the altar steps were faced with mosaics of exquisite shimmering moonstones.

The ruins of this dagoba, built about i i oo B.C., can still be seen. In recent years moonstones of Indian origin have also become known. New workings in the district of Kangyam in the south of India have brought to light, amongst others, moonstones with cat’s-eye effects or four-rayed stars. Their colors vary from brown to reddish-brown, leaden gray to black; sporadically, yellow and pink-tinted hues crop up. Cut into artistic cameos they are in high favor, especially in America.

Smaller deposits of moonstones are found near Mogok in Burma, also in Brazil, in Australia, and in several places in North America. Moonstone is not a homogeneous mineral but is made up of microscopically fine lamellae composed alternately of the potash feldspar orthoclase and the sodium feldspar albite. The low specific gravity (2.56) of most feldspars falls to its lot, and a low refractive index ( .52), which does not vie with the subtle schiller. The lamellar structure gives rise, through the diffusion of incident light, to the much prized blue shimmer which, as the stone is moved, darts across its convex surface.^,

This lovely phenomenon is called adularescence, from the mineralogical name “adularia” taken by moonstone from its former classic place of origin, the Adula (Rheinwaldhorn) in Switzerland. From ancient times men have considered it the favorite of the moon. At full moon, placed beneath the tongues of lovers, it is said to awaken tender passions. Thanks to its light, bright colors, the moonstone—birthstone of June—endows its protégés with faith in happiness and good fortune.

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)
Delicate, Virginal gem Moonstones: Child of the Dawning Day