Alternative Names: Moonstone
Origin: Notably India, Pakistan
Mineral Species: Orthoclase / Microline
Mineral Group: Silicates
Chemical Formula: KAlSi3O8
Hardness: 6
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Colour: Colourless to white, greenish white, greyish yellow, pale pink.
Typical Appearance: Usually as groups of tabular prismatic crystals, often twinned.
Birthstone: Cancer. Secondary Birthstone for Libra and Scorpio
Chakra Alignment: Crown
Element: Water
Origin of Name & Mythology: Named in 1780 by Ermenegildo Pini for the type locality, the Adula Massif (part of the Gotthard massif), Switzerland.
Moonstone is associated with the moon and the element water, and is a particularly feminine stone, often linked with goddess worship. It is sometimes referred to as the “visionary stone”, as it awakens and develops our psychic potential, as well as opening us to our spirituality, and helping us to create a connection with the Divine. The iridescent shimmer also aids introspection, inner vision, self-reflection and self-awareness, supporting our personal development. It is considered to be the primary stone for female fertility, and is also sometimes used as an aid in the birthing process.
