Thursday, November 11, 2010

Gems That Inspire: Rainbow Moonstone


Pamela's gorgeous Rainbow Moonstone "Royal Princess Cap" earrings were selected to illustrate the latest edition of "Gems That Inspire" in Watch & Jewelry Review magazine! The article also quoted Pamela's thoughts about the celestial stone: "I love when a gemstone is made more beautiful by perceived imperfections, and rainbow moonstone is the perfect example of this! Inclusions in the stone create beautiful rainbow flashes, and the milkiness seems to intensify the colors," says designer Pamela Froman. "In fact, rainbow moonstone has become one of the most requested gems in my collection of one-of-a-kind and limited edition colored stone cap earrings."

The is a wonderfully informative article, written by Jeff Prine. If you'd like to know more about the beautiful gemstone known as Rainbow Moonstone, I've copied some of it for you below so, read on...

Excerpts from "Gems That Inspire" by Jeff Prine, published in Watch & Jewelry Review:

Description:
The moon has been worshipped since the dawn of civilization so it's no wonder that the shimmery lunar-like glow found in moonstones makes them such a popular gem. The problem is, the most exceptional examples - colorless with a blue sheen - are rare, expensive, and difficult to find. Thanks to recent finds in the India subcontinent, the jewelry industry has embraced a stunning alternative: rainbow moonstone.
Also from the feldspar family, rainbow moonstone gets its name from the traces of albite and anorthite that create a rainbow-like play of colors when light hits the stone, causing phenomena known as "andularescence." While rainbow moonstone tends to appear to emit a lot of electric blue color, it resembles the finest blue moonstones that have become so dear.
Nonetheless, calling this variety of feldspar a moonstone is actually a misnomer - albeit a deliberate one. Rainbow moonstone is really a "rainbow labradorite" since its mineral content comes from the labradorite side of feldspars instead of the orthoclase branch from which blue moonstone is derived. In some English-speaking countries, it's sometimes referred to as "petrol moonstone" since the gem's color play resembles the multicolor film that gasoline displays under certain light.

Origins:
Moonstone can be found in Brazil, the European Alps, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania, with the highest quality moonstones being found in Sri Lanka. Most rainbow moonstone, however, is found in southwest India.

Folklore:
Many of the metaphysical properties associated with moonstones are also associated with rainbow moonstone. The soft hues of rainbow moonstone are said to create feelings of peacefulness within one's self, while at the same time providing emotional strength, compassion, and inner confidence. Its labradorescence and the spectrum of light it creates are said to help with clearing and bringing in "uplifting energies." Therefore, rainbow moonstone enhances balance and harmony. The gem is associated with the Crown Chakra and is said to aid in granting wishes.
Another use of rainbow moonstone is protection, especially for those living in remote or rural areas.
Like the flashes of color, the gem purportedly elicits flashes of insight, increases intuition, and enhances one's creativity. It is said to enhance the power of the feminine, making it a favorite for brides (or those wishing to be betrothed.)

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