Moonstone is a beautiful, mysterious gemstone that has been revered for its spiritual properties since ancient times. In many cultures, moonstone is considered a sacred stone with divine origins. Let’s explore the history, lore, and meaning behind moonstone to understand why it has such a exalted status.
What is Moonstone?
Moonstone is a semiprecious gemstone comprised of orthoclase and albite feldspars. It displays an adularescence sheen, which is caused by light diffraction within its layered structure. Moonstone comes in a range of colors from colorless and pale yellow to peach, gray, brown, and green. The most prized moonstone exhibits a blue glow and strong schiller effect.
Moonstone forms in pegmatite deposits and feldspar-rich igneous rocks. Major sources include Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Myanmar, and Tanzania. The Romans admired moonstone, calling it “adularia” after the Adular mountain region of Switzerland. During the Art Nouveau period, moonstone became extremely popular for jewelry making.
Moonstone in Ancient Cultures
Moonstone has been revered going all the way back to ancient civilizations. Here is an overview of moonstone meaning and lore throughout history:
India
In India, moonstone was associated with the Hindu god Chandra and known as “chandrakanta.” It was believed to bring good fortune and protect against the evil eye. The shimmering glow of moonstone was said to contain the image of Chandra.
Greece & Rome
The Greeks and Romans viewed moonstone as a sacred stone representing their lunar deities. It was associated with Artemis/Diana, Selene/Luna, and other lunar goddesses. Moonstone supposedly formed from the solidified rays of the Moon.
Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, people carried moonstone amulets for protection against enemies and sorcery. It was thought to counteract poison and bring victory in battle. Moonstone was also believed to reconcile estranged lovers and foretell the future.
Asia
In Chinese culture, moonstone symbolized Yin energy and was thought to bring good fortune to marriages. Meanwhile, Confucians considered moonstone to represent wisdom and hope. The mystical glow was said to instill calm and peace of mind.
Moonstone Meanings
Why was moonstone considered so sacred and magical around the world? Here are some of the symbolic meanings and powers associated with this gem:
Feminine Energy
The moonstone embodied feminine power and was linked to several mother goddesses. It represents fertility, new beginnings, and female divinity in many cultures. Moonstone honors divine feminine energy.
Emotional Balance
Just as the moon waxes and wanes, moonstone teaches us about cycles of change. It is thought to attune to natural rhythms and help balance emotions. Moonstone can promote inner growth and spiritual development.
Healing Properties
Moonstone has a long history as a healing amulet due to its purported medical properties. It was believed to aid conception, ease childbirth, and alleviate menstrual problems. Moonstone water was used in Roman baths to heal stress and draw out toxins.
Visionary Stone
The divine sheen of moonstone supposedly held prophetic powers and enabled the wearer to see the future. Its dreamy quality promotes intuition, visionary experiences, and spiritual awareness.
Protection
In many cultures, moonstone was viewed as a protective amulet. It represents the divine feminine watching over us, keeping evil at bay. Even today, moonstone is regarded as a stone of spiritual protection.
Is Moonstone Truly Sacred?
Whether moonstone has metaphysical powers is up for debate. However, the fact that it was revered across so many ancient cultures speaks to its mystical allure. Even if the stone itself isn’t sacred, humanity’s faith in its divinity certainly makes it special.
When you hold a moonstone, it’s easy to understand why people felt an otherworldly connection to it. The ethereal sheen invokes the Moon Goddess, reminding us of feminine power and the vast expanse of the cosmos. For thousands of years, people turned to moonstone as a conduit to the divine.
Conclusion
Moonstone has a longstanding reputation as a sacred, magical gemstone across many ancient cultures. It embodies divine feminine energy and the mystical qualities of the moon. Though the stone itself may not be inherently sacred, the meaning and faith people have invested in moonstone over millennia give it a divine significance.