Moonstone, or adularia, is a mysterious mineral. Many believe that it has magical properties. Jewelers also value it, since adularia is beautiful and rarely found in nature. All this encourages criminals to actively counterfeit the gem. Not everyone knows how to distinguish a moonstone from a fake. Sometimes finding a fake is not difficult, but in some cases you may need the help of an expert.
Origin of the mineral
The adular has long been of interest to scientists, philologists, and mystics. Some believed that it was of magical origin and appeared after the moon's rays solidified.
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Where is it mined and used?
Found in quartz, pegmatite and ore veins. The most popular mining location is the lands of Sri Lanka. This is where nature creates the highest quality stones. It is also found in the lands of India, Brazil, and Australia. No less popular mining destinations are Madagascar and Tanzania.
In Russia, minerals with blue, pearl and silver tints are mined. Large volumes of labradorite, a black moonstone, were mined on the territory of Ukraine.
Interesting! Adularia is used in jewelry as a semi-precious ornamental stone. It gained particular popularity back in the era of Art Nouveau (floral art nouveau movement of the 19th-20th centuries), when the French jeweler Rene Lalique actively used it in his works.
How to distinguish from a fake
Moonstones are often counterfeited using frosted iridescent glass or plastic. There are several key differences that will help you spot a fake:
- The natural mineral is quite heavy. If you take it in your hand, you can feel a pleasant heaviness and weightiness. Plastic and glass, on the contrary, are very light, their weight is barely noticeable in the palm of your hand.
- Everything natural is imperfect. The gem may have defects, unevenness, cracks, and uneven color. Perfectly homogeneous products often turn out to be ordinary glass.
- The iridescent effect can only be achieved with certain lighting and angle of inclination. If the overflow is noticeable in any conditions, then there is a high probability that it is a fake.
- The original remains cold for a long time, even if you warm it in your hands.
- The very low cost also indicates an imitation of the breed.
Where is it mined?
The main deposit of moonstone is in India. It is from this country that the most amazing, large and expensive samples are brought.
Sri Lanka can boast of some good goods. The crystals coming from there are of very good quality, but they cannot be compared with Indian ones.
One variety of the mineral, adularia, is mined only in a few places on the planet - in India and Burma.
Deposits of the mystical gem can be found in New Zealand, Australia, Tanzania and Madagascar. The crystal is mined in the USA in our region. Namely - in Siberia, the Urals and the Baikal region.
Colors and varieties
The most popular varieties are light, black and golden moonstone. Each of them has its own depth, brilliance and properties.
Adularia
The rock can be transparent or translucent, with blue tints present. They are mined in Russia. They arise in places where active volcanic activity occurred. Descriptions of the first adularians appeared back in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Interesting! Lunar stones of gray or milky color are poorly valued; transparent stones of bright colors have gained great popularity.
Belomorit
It has a yellowish-milky tint. Due to its pearlescent luster, it looks like a mixture of classic moonflower and pearls. The mineral was first discovered by academician A.E. Fersman. He found it on the shores of the White Sea, so he called it Belomorite.
Sanidin
This is potassium feldspar. It is colorless. Has a white, yellow or gray undertone. There is a glassy sheen. Outwardly it resembles a piece of ice. Transparent varieties of gems are in demand in the jewelry industry.
Black Moonstone
Another name for Labrador. The mineral received its name due to its deposit - Canada, Labrador Peninsula. It has a black color, but after polishing a blue, blue tint appears. Overflows vaguely resemble gasoline stains.
Spectrolite
This is a variety of Labradorite, which is mined only in Finland. Black stone is also a moonstone that shines in all the colors of the rainbow, including pink, green, and blue. Unlike labradorite, spectrolite is denser and more opaque. It is highly valued in jewelry.
Sun stone
Also one of the types of Labradorite, which is found in nature in the United States in the state of Oregon. It is distinguished by yellow, golden iridescence. There is a slight blue and green glow.
Properties of moonstone
The mineral belongs to the group of feldspars and has properties similar to them. Different types have their own characteristics and impurities, but in general they do not have radical differences.
Physical and chemical properties
Physical | |
Hardness | 6-6.5 (Moss scale) |
Density | 2.56—2.62 g/cm³ |
Fragility | Fragile, sensitive to shock and even compression |
Transparency | The mineral is translucent, translucent |
Kink | Uneven, stepped |
Shine | Glass |
Color | Most often colorless. Grayish minerals with blue tints are also found. Yellow stones are very rare. |
Other properties | There is such an optical effect as iridescence - blue tints. Less common is the cat's eye effect. Also, the entire lunar plant luminesces after X-ray treatment. |
Chemical | |
Formula | K[AlSi3O8] – potassium aluminum trisilicate |
Compound | This is potassium feldspar orthoclase |
Magical, astrological
Moonstone is believed to have magical properties. It is especially active during the full moon.
The magic adularia has a serious effect on the wearer:
- it helps to control emotions, remain a pleasant conversationalist, a colleague, even when negative emotions are boiling inside;
- reveals psychic abilities, after several months of active use, the owner of the stone begins to see prophetic dreams, magic also manifests itself in life;
- helps to cope with nervous shocks, tragedies, helps to develop an optimistic outlook on life;
- Adularia is a love stone; it attracts the soul mate destined by fate.
Moonstone is a good companion for anyone born in June. The mineral gives long-awaited harmony, tranquility, and helps to reveal talents. Astrologically, the adularian belongs to Cancers, because this zodiac sign is under the protection of the Moon.
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Interesting! In ancient times, witches who died alone enclosed their gift in a moonlight. The one who found it received the magical properties of the enchanted moonstone.
Medicinal
Adularia has a therapeutic effect:
- improves digestion, solves gastrointestinal problems;
- accelerates metabolism, normalizes hormonal levels;
- improves the absorption of vitamins and microelements;
- accelerates recovery after operations, severe stress;
- Helps cope with anxiety and depression.
It is important to wear the mineral close to the body and treat jewelry with care.
Why do they create fakes?
Moonstone is a beautiful gem with magical and healing properties. It is considered a natural indicator. He tells the owner whether his partners have true feelings for him, and whether the love of a loved one is cooling off. The stone fades. It seems that his qualities are changing. The gem attracts the eye and does not leave anyone indifferent. A real moonstone is becoming a desirable acquisition, why are they trying to fake it? There are several reasons:
- natural resources are being depleted;
- mining requires great physical exertion and complex equipment;
- processing conditions are specific and painstaking;
- high price for the breed.
A fake appearance can be presented instead of adularia. The person will hope for his help, turn to the abilities of the original, but this will not happen. What is most often used to replace a gemstone?
Who is it suitable for?
Healing adularia is considered a strong mineral that seriously affects the life of its owner. It will be suitable for anyone who cannot cope with emotions and wants to reveal their best character traits.
Zodiac sign
Each sign is protected by its own planet, which interacts with the mineral in a special way. Based on these data, there are recommendations that reveal the best properties of adularia according to the horoscope.
Aquatic – Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio
These signs are especially favored by the moonstone. It helps to pacify the emotionality of water signs, helps to find the right decisions and not commit rash actions:
Cancer is under the protection of the Moon, so the stone has special meaning for it. Adular is firmly connected with this planet, so with him, Cancers will reveal their talents, be able to remain patient, and attract true love into life.
The characteristics of Pisces indicate their excessive anxiety, doubts, and desire to change their own decisions. Adular will balance such personalities and show a rational view of the situation.
Scorpio often feels a lack of strength. Lunar works identically to a battery. He takes away his excessive emotionality and returns it to his owner in moments of powerlessness.
Earthly – Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Taurus and Virgo have average compatibility with Adularia. Taurus will be able to open their hearts, which could mean a quick, fateful meeting. Virgos will also reveal their sensual side and become more active in communication.
Capricorns may get the opposite effect. The mineral has a relaxing effect on them, making them lazy and apathetic. However, if a person is overly emotional, the temporary use of talismans is also beneficial.
Air - Libra, Gemini, Aquarius
Libra, Gemini and Aquarius have average compatibility with adularia. The mineral will reveal hidden potential, positive character traits, remove embarrassment, and help cope with low self-esteem. As in all cases, adularia gives balance and harmony. At the right moment it absorbs negativity and gives strength in moments of exhaustion.
Fiery - Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Fire signs should be wary of moonstone. This is especially true for Aries; it will help improve their personal life, but will provoke excessive emotionality.
Leo and Sagittarius are in greater favor. The zodiac stone supports good health, liberates, and gives emotional peace.
By name
- Yana. Adularia reveals special properties with women under the name Yana. They receive active development of mental abilities, become wise, and see others in their true light.
- Elena. Girls develop concentration, attention, and stop being naive. Under the auspices of the stone, business acumen, determination, and courage appear.
- Igor. Adular will help a man overcome his selfishness. He will begin to pay more attention to the advantages of other people and learn to support his close circle.
- Gleb. The owners of this name have a strong character. The amulet will give you more flexibility and sensuality. This will help you expand your social circle and be more open with others.
Lunnik will suit other names as well. It has a standard effect on them - it harmonizes character, helps develop talents, and liberates.
Tips for buying gems
Moonstone, created by nature, protects its owner, dims when a person with dark thoughts appears nearby.
In order not to be deceived when choosing a talisman, you need to listen to the advice of experienced jewelers:
- Buy goods from a trusted seller. Ask your friends, responsible sellers value their reputation very much and will not slip in a fake for the sake of immediate gain. Here they will always talk about the properties of jewelry, the features of caring for them, and even explain how to identify imitation among other samples.
- Buy natural gems in specialized jewelry stores. Such stores have their own brand, which they value. Here you will be shown a quality certificate for the product and will be told in which deposit the mineral was found. As a rule, such salons have a specialist who can check the authenticity of any piece of jewelry.
- A real crystal cannot be sold in a store next to jewelry.
Moonstone is a symbol of family well-being and love. Take the time and carefully choose a real natural talisman that will organically bring peace of mind and love into your life. How does moonstone affect a person →
Amulets, amulets and talismans
Adularia is a stone that has occupied a leading position among amulets for several centuries in a row. This is because it enhances character advantages and balances negative traits.
Compatibility with other stones
Compatibility | Stone |
Ideal energy compatibility. With them, the properties of all jewelry are doubled. | Amethyst, sapphire, lapis lazuli, onyx. |
An impossible combination, best avoided. | Garnet (all red stones), carnelian, malachite, agate, chalcedony. |
Neutral interaction. | Amber. |
For men
For men, moonstone, especially the adularia variety, gives stress resistance and good health. It makes it easier to resolve complex conflicts, conclude business deals, and find new partners.
It will also help you make friends, get around envious people and enemies. For family men, a strong marriage is guaranteed. For single people - a quick search for a soul mate. Adularia works especially quickly with Cancer men.
For women
It is very important for a woman to have an amulet with adularia. It has a special effect on the female sex. They also gain fortitude and resilience in the face of failure. The amulet reveals in them not only the energy of femininity, but also masculinity, which helps to overcome problems, solve business issues, etc.
Varieties of moonstone have their own unique characteristics. If you wear jewelry correctly, a girl will quickly find her soul mate, be able to remain faithful to her chosen one, and reveal her talents and hidden character traits.
How to wear and care
To get rid of apathy and laziness, and to reveal new talents, rings are placed on the fingers of the right hand. If you want to find your soulmate, rings are worn on the left hand.
Large moonlights on massive rings look especially stylish. They go well with both business style and casual wear.
Mineral care includes regular cleaning. To clean the jewelry, simply rub it with a cloth soaked in a weak solution of soapy water. It is important not to use abrasive particles or household chemicals. Then the jewelry is simply rinsed under running water. Remains of moisture are removed with a dry towel.
Who is the mineral not recommended for?
The adularia stone does not go well with people under the sign of Aries and Capricorn. They stop seeing their mistakes and become even more assertive.
Important! It is recommended to wear jewelry only when you are in a good mood. Otherwise, the energy of the stone will be clouded in the early morning, which will negatively affect the owner.
Also, jewelry with adularia may look too simple for extravagant individuals who love bright colors.
What is the price?
Interestingly, the same type of mineral has different prices. The cost depends on the intensity of the shade, transparency, and size of the stone.
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For example, a women's ring with a stone of the same size, in an identical frame, can cost either 5,000 rubles or 10,000 rubles.
Earrings with small inserts of 8-15 grams will also cost 5-10 thousand rubles. However, you can find more budget options for 1-3 thousand rubles.
Write, how do you feel about moonstone? Do you like this mysterious mineral that seems inconspicuous at first glance? Did you feel his support?