moonstone

American  

[moon-stohn] / ˈmunˌstoʊn /

noun

1. Also called precious moonstone.  a semitransparent or translucent, opalescent, pearly-blue variety of adularia, used as a gem.

2. any of several adularescent feldspars, as certain varieties of albite, labradorite, or oligoclase, used as gems.

3. (not used technically) any milky or girasol stone used as a gem.

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moonstone British  

/ ˈmuːnˌstəʊn /

noun

1. a gem variety of orthoclase or albite that is white and translucent with bluish reflections

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Usage

What is moonstone? Moonstone is a variety of gemstone that’s commonly milky white with a blue, silver, or multicolored iridescent tint.It is a variety of the mineral feldspar (more specifically, adularia or orthoclase).Moonstones can be transparent or semitransparent. More transparent moonstones are typically more valuable and higher in price.The moonstone is one of the birthstones for the month of June, along with pearl and alexandrite. It’s associated with the zodiac signs Gemini and Cancer.The word moonstone is also sometimes used to refer to other varieties of feldspar, or, less technically, to any milky-colored gemstone.Example: I have a moonstone ring that gives off a blue shine when it catches the light.

Etymology

Origin of moonstone

First recorded in 1625–35; moon + stone

Example Sentences

I don't know if you remember, but at the end you give her a moonstone.

From Salon

Then we searched for its namesake moonstones, which aren’t true moonstone gems, but a variety of quartz.

From Washington Post

During breakfast he got down on one knee, with a moonstone ring gifted to him for the occasion from a friend there.

From New York Times

The limited-edition unisex footwear is made from Nappa leather and comes in colors red, orange, moonstone, coastal blue, pristine and caramel.

From Los Angeles Times

It was valued at £5,000 - although it would eventually prove to be worth much more - and inset with ruby, mother-of-pearl and moonstones.

From BBC