moonstone

[ moon-stohn ]

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.

moonstone

/ ˈmuːnˌstəʊn /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of moonstone¹

First recorded in 1625–35; moon + stone

Example Sentences

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

From Washington Post

Of all her trinkets, and she had many and valuable ones, none so charmed the fool as the moonstone pendant.

From Project Gutenberg

I always measure things by that six hundred dollars, just as I measure high buildings by the Moonstone standpipe.

From Project Gutenberg

Nearly all my dreams, except those about breaking down on the stage or missing trains, are about Moonstone.

From Project Gutenberg

If the jugglers were innocent, who, in the name of wonder, had taken the Moonstone out of Miss Rachel's drawer?

From Project Gutenberg

She only once alluded to the matter of the Moonstone, and that was in the way of forbidding any present mention of it between us.

From Project Gutenberg

More About Moonstone

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.

Where does moonstone come from?

The first records of the word moonstone come from around 1630. The word moon is used in the name of the stone due to its white color.

The iridescent tint of moonstone comes from its chemical makeup, a sodium and potassium aluminosilicate mixture. Moonstones are found in Sri Lanka, India, Australia, parts of North America, and other locations around the world.

Did you know … ?

What are some words that share a root or word element with moonstone? 

• moon
• stone

What are some words that often get used in discussing moonstone?

• gem
• gemstone
• precious
• jewelry
• birthstone
• June
• adularia
• orthoclase

How is moonstone used in real life?

Moonstone is prized for its iridescent tint. It is one of the more modern birthstones for the month of June.

I’m looking for a solid gold pear shaped moonstone ring but can’t find the right one

— moonlightbabe09 (@moonbabe09) May 15, 2021

I just really hope Callahan holds off until June…. for my own selfish reasons is all. Moonstone jewelry is just so much cuter than… emerald !! 🤢😭

— samantha lemmings (@SammiBarry_) May 17, 2021

When he chose this beauty I asked him was he sure? This iridescent moonstone beauty isn’t for everyone but he said he knew this was meant to be hers ❤️
.
Happy Friday! Hope your weekend is magical ✨ https://t.co/KJo8ySv16H pic.twitter.com/lBrDGpqGHr

— Chupi Jewellery (@ChupiJewelry) March 16, 2018

Try using moonstone!

True or False? 

Moonstone is moonrock from the moon.