moonstone
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Wikipedia.
moonstone,
an orthoclase feldsparfeldsparor 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 elements.
..... 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 gemgem,
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 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.
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 gem variety of orthoclase or albite that is white and translucent with bluish reflections