A transparent or translucent feldspar of pearly or opaline luster. The best of moonstones, clear with a silky or blue sheen, or “adularescence” as this play of light is known, came from Burma and Sri Lanka, but are now rare.

Once called the “traveler’s stone”, moonstone was used for protection against the dangers of travel. It was also a talisman of good fortune and was said to keep that which was dear to one closer. According to legend, the brightness of moonstone increases as the new moon becomes full and Indians consider it sacred as it is believed that one can see into the future if the stone is held in the mouth when the moon is full. It is a “feeling” stone, enhancing understanding via intuition and emotion rather than via intellectual reasoning. It can be helpful in alleviating emotional tension and enhancing creativity and self-expression. It is said to promote ease in pregnancy and childbirth, to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual stress and change of life and to eliminate insomnia (an ancient remedy). Moonstone is one of the birthstones for June (with pearl and alexandrite), symbolizing health and longevity, and is Monday’s gemstone.