A lot of cultures
associate this gem with moonlight, and it's very easy to understand why.
Easy
Post difficulty
3 min
Post Length
Science
Gem-related Field
corundum
Moonstones Are Full Of
Legends
A lot of cultures associate this gem with
moonlight, and it's very easy to understand why. Its internal composition disperses the
light that hits it and generates a process known as adularescence. The visual effect is
reminiscent of the full moon shining through a curtain of high, thin clouds.
Legends believe moonstone brings good luck. Many cultures also claimed that if you placed a
moonstone in your mouth during a full moon, you would predict the future. Moonstones range
from semi-transparent to opaque. Most of the time, you'll see them in cabochons and
carvings, set in rings and pendants.
Moonstones are available at BespokeGems for specific requests only.
THE QUESTION
What is the Adularescence
Effect?
You should know that moonstones are
feldspar gemstones with varying compositions. Usually, they are orthoclase feldspars with
alternating orthoclase and albite layers. Now that we have reminded you of this, we will
explain why they showcase such a singular phenomenon called adularescence.
Adularescence is caused by light diffraction when it impacts small, alternating layers of
orthoclase and albite within the gem. This gives the appearance of a swirling, blue to white
light cloud-like, within the gem.
In orthoclastic moonstones, a blue glow is
produced when the albite crystals are very fine. Fine albite crystals are orthoclase and
albite plates that are scattered within each other as a result of cooling unmixing during
their formation. In other words, if the albite plates are thick, the light will be white.
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Benjamin Poudevigne
Social Media Manager at
BespokeGems
With over ten years of marketing
experience, I finally decided to settle down in Bangkok to work in an area that I have
always been interested in: the gemstones industry. I'm still learning how the market works
on a daily basis, and I enjoy sharing my experience with those who are interested in
learning more about gems in general.