Moonstone – Meaning & Properties

Impression of the rough stone

“Trust your inner compass. Silence shows the way.”

Moonstone is for those who dare to navigate by their intuition. For those who understand that true strength lies in balance and that every phase offers an opportunity for a new beginning.

With its mystical, soft white lustre and characteristic depth, Moonstone has been one of the most beloved gemstones for centuries. Traditionally, this stone is associated with balance, intuition, and inner growth.

No two stones are exactly alike. The unique lustre and internal structure give each bead its own personal character.

Why people choose Moonstone

• Traditionally associated with balance and emotional equilibrium
• A stone that symbolises intuition and new opportunities
• Mystical white hues with a natural, pearlescent lustre
• A beloved stone in jewellery and rituals for centuries
• Each bead has a unique lustre and internal pattern

The Stone

• Traditional Meaning: Balance • Intuition • New Beginnings
• Origin: Sri Lanka • India
• Zodiac Sign: Cancer • Gemini

History

The name Moonstone refers to its magical, silver-white to blue lustre, reminiscent of moonlight on water. In antiquity, the Romans believed the stone was formed from solidified moonbeams. The stone was associated with the moon goddesses Luna and Selene and was seen as a symbol of femininity and fertility.

Throughout history, Moonstone has been a beloved stone for jewellery, especially during the Art Nouveau period around 1900. Goldsmiths and silversmiths such as René Lalique frequently used the stone for its ethereal appearance. In India, Moonstone is still considered a sacred stone, traditionally believed to bring good fortune and vivid dreams.

Astrology & the Moon

Within astrology, Moonstone has traditionally been linked to the zodiac sign Cancer, the sign ruled by the moon and symbolising emotion and nurturing. Additionally, the stone is sometimes associated with Gemini and Pisces, signs known for their intuitive and changeable nature.

As its name suggests, Moonstone has a strong symbolic connection to the lunar cycle. In traditions surrounding the lunar calendar, the stone is associated with the energy of the new moon—a moment for intentions and new beginnings—and the full moon, a time of reflection and emotional completion.

Within Chakra Teachings

In chakra teachings, Moonstone is often linked to the second chakra, also known as Svadhisthana or the sacral chakra. This energy centre in the lower abdomen symbolises, in Eastern traditions, the flow of emotions, creativity, and the ability to adapt to life's cycles.

Additionally, due to its connection with clarity and insight, the stone is often associated with the sixth chakra, the Ajna or third eye. Within these teachings, this point represents the seat of intuition. Moonstone, in this context, symbolises the inner peace needed to listen to your gut feeling and inner wisdom.

Interesting Facts

• The characteristic, moving lustre of Moonstone is called 'adularescence'. This optical effect is caused by light scattering between the microscopically thin layers that make up the stone.
• In India, Moonstone was traditionally considered a 'dream stone', believed to be placed under a pillow at night to bring beautiful dreams.
• Moonstone is the official state gemstone of Florida, not because it is found there, but as a tribute to the Apollo programme's moon landings launched from the Kennedy Space Center.
• According to an ancient Asian legend, the most beautiful blue Moonstones would be washed ashore by the tides once every 21 years.

Care

Moonstone is a feldspar mineral with a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it softer than quartz and vulnerable to scratches and impacts. Therefore, always store your bracelet separately, away from harder materials and other jewellery.

The stone can be sensitive to sudden temperature changes and chemicals. Remove your bracelet when showering, swimming, or exercising, and avoid direct contact with perfume, soap, and lotion. While brief contact with water won't harm it, prolonged exposure can dull its lustre.

To maintain its characteristic lustre, you can wipe the beads clean with a soft, dry cloth after wearing. This removes skin oils and dirt and keeps the stone looking its best.

View the Moonstone bracelet in the shop →

Beautiful in combination with

Labradorite · Amethyst

Honest about meaning: the properties on this page describe what this stone has traditionally symbolised and what it is associated with within traditions and astrology. Mad Monk Jewellery makes no claims: we do not promise that a stone has a specific effect or power, or that it will bring about anything for you. What we do promise: a natural gemstone, carefully selected and hand-finished.

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