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Moonstone |
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moonstone, an orthoclase feldspar feldspar or felspar , an abundant group of rock-forming minerals which constitute 60% of the earth's crust. Chemically the feldspars are silicates of aluminum, containing sodium, potassium, iron, calcium, or barium or combinations of these ..... Click the link for more information. , found in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Madagascar (and formerly in the St. Gotthard district of Switzerland). In spite of its pronounced cleavage, it is widely used as a gem gem, commonly, a mineral or organic substance, cut and polished and used as an ornament. Gems also are used as seals (items of assurance) and as talismans (good-luck charms). For birthstones, see month. ..... Click the link for more information. . The refraction of light by its thin, paired internal layers causes its milky, bluish sheen. moonstone a gem variety of orthoclase or albite that is white and translucent with bluish reflections moonstone [′mün‚stōn] (mineralogy) An alkali feldspar or cryptoperthite that is semitransparent to translucent and exhibits a bluish to milky-white, pearly, or opaline luster; used as a gemstone if flawless. Also known as hecatolite. moonstone June alternate birthstone. [Am. Gem Symbolism: Kunz, 319] See : Birthstones moonstone wrested by an English officer from Buddhist priests, who place a curse on all who possess it. [Br. Lit.: Collins The Moonstone in Benét, 683] See : Curse moonstone sacred stone; brings good fortune. [Gem Symbolism: Kunz, 97–98]
See : Luck, Good Moonstone a semitransparent variety of orthoclase (adularia) and sometimes plagioclase (albite or oligoclase). Moonstone displays a bluish iridescence. It is occasionally found in pegmatites or alpine-type veins. It is used as a decorative stone for insets and small ornaments. The best moonstone with respect to quality and color is found in Sri Lanka; in the USSR it is found in the pegmatite veins of Karelia. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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