10 Jun June’s Moonstone: A History of Mythology, Romance, and Modern Art
In all its awe, history has seen repeated attempts to both encapsulate and emulate the otherworldly beauty of the moon. But where humanity falters or is apt to dimly repeat itself in its haste, nature knows no such failures.
Thus, the moonstone is revered for achieving the optical brilliance that many have long sought. Also acknowledged as the birthstone of June, the moonstone isn’t just the ideal gift for a spiritually-centered loved one — it also makes a fascinating study in historical origins.
- Mining Origins of the Mythological Mineral
Occurring naturally across the world, moonstone is a mineral derivation of feldspar, the finest of which can primarily be found today in India and Sri Lanka. Of course, moonstone is as far-reaching as the nightly light of the astronomical body for which is it named. Spanning the Earth from the United States to Australia, moonstone and its many varieties can be mined globally.
That being said, the beauty and mystical potential of the stone itself stems from a property known as adularescence, wherein the layers of feldspar diffuse light through the stone and give it a softly shimmering appearance. The name of this property also harkens back to its original name of “adularia,” as moonstone was once sourced from the Mount Adular Mountain (now called Saint Gotthard) in Switzerland.
- Marketing the Metaphysical
Aptly named for its mythological lore, Hindu legend says moonstone is comprised of compressed moonbeams, now found in gem form having fallen upon the face of the Earth. In India, the stone was historically considered sacred, and thus could not be shown unless covered in sacred yellow cloth.
Otherwise, as some mystics used the stone specifically for meditative purposes, others regarded it as a talisman for luck (such as with the Romans), whereas others thought it capable of invoking love and affection when used properly. In any case, many myths point to the full moon as the time during which the moonstone’s many properties are allegedly at their strongest.
- Moonstone, Meet Modernism
Having reached the height of its popularity in the later 19th and early 20th Centuries, the Art Nouveau movement is what garnered moonstone so much attention after centuries of mere spiritual appreciation. Romantic designers of this era — like Louis Comfort Tiffany or René Lalique — are credited with starting the trend of using the moonstone in modern jewelry, primarily in that of silver settings.
Moonstone’s social status then resurged in the 1960s with the renewed sense of freedom and spirituality brought on by the “flower child” movement. In particular, its diaphanous and ethereal appearance is what made the stone ideal for accessorizing this period.
So are you ready to find or create the moonstone-centered jewelry item of your dreams? Then its time to reach out to Hemming Jewelers! Not only can we manifest your desires in custom-designed jewelry, but we know how to guide you through our wide selection of new and consignment pieces to find the perfect gift for your loved ones. Call us today at (904) 354-5959 to learn more!