Black star moonstone
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Black Star Moonstone: A Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate
Black star moonstone is a captivating gemstone belonging to the feldspar group. It is a sodium potassium aluminum silicate with the chemical formula (Na,K)AlSi3O8. Its name comes from a visual effect or sheen caused by light diffraction within a microstructure consisting of regular feldspar layers (lamellae). This phenomenon, known as adularescence, is responsible for the stone’s unique glowing effect, making it highly sought after for use in jewelry.
Physical and Chemical Properties of Black Star Moonstone
Understanding the physical and chemical properties of black star moonstone enhances our appreciation of this mesmerizing gemstone. Below are the key properties that define black star moonstone:
| General | |
|---|---|
| Category | Anorthoclase variety |
| Formula (repeating unit) | (Na,K)AlSi3O8 |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic |
| Identification | |
|---|---|
| Color | Can be numerous colors, including blue, grey, white, pink, peach, green, and brown, as well as colorless |
| Cleavage | Perfect |
| Fracture | Uneven to conchoidal |
| Mohs scale hardness | 6.0 |
| Luster | Opalescent |
| Streak | White |
| Specific gravity | 2.54–2.66 |
| Optical properties | For orthoclase and sanidine, biaxial (–); for oligoclase, biaxial +/– |
| Refractive index | 1.518–1.547 |
| Birefringence | 0.005–0.01 |
| Dispersion | 0.012 |
Origin and History of Black Star Moonstone
Moonstone has been used in jewelry for millennia, cherished by ancient civilizations for its ethereal beauty. The Romans admired this gemstone, believing it was formed from solidified rays of the moon. Both the Romans and Greeks associated moonstone with their lunar deities. In more recent history, it became popular during the Art Nouveau period. French goldsmith René Lalique, among others, created a large amount of jewelry using this stone.
Black star moonstone, in particular, is known for its distinctive star-like effect called asterism. This optical phenomenon occurs when light is reflected off needle-like inclusions within the stone, creating a star-shaped pattern on its surface. The star effect is most visible when the stone is cut as a cabochon, with a smooth, rounded top that enhances its natural sheen.
Watch a detailed video of black star moonstone to observe its unique features and optical properties.
Orthoclase and Albite
Black star moonstone is composed of two feldspar species: orthoclase and albite. These species are intermingled, and as the mineral cools, the intergrowth of orthoclase and albite separates into stacked, alternating layers. This intergrowth gives moonstone its characteristic shimmer or adularescence.
The interplay between these two minerals creates the unique optical effects for which moonstone is famous. The alternating layers scatter light, resulting in the mesmerizing glow that seems to move across the surface of the stone as it is viewed from different angles.
Adularescence
Adularescence is a blue sheen phenomenon that appears on the domed cabochon surface of black star moonstone. This shimmer effect is caused by the interaction of light with layers of small albite crystals in the moonstone. The thickness of these layers determines the quality of the blue shimmer: the thinner the layers, the better the blue flash. This typically appears as a billowy light effect.
In black star moonstone, adularescence is often combined with asterism, creating a unique visual effect where a glowing sheen coexists with a star-shaped reflection. This combination makes black star moonstone particularly prized among collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.
Deposits
Moonstone deposits are found in Armenia (mainly from Lake Sevan), as well as in Australia, the Austrian Alps, Mexico, Madagascar, Myanmar, Norway, Poland, India, Sri Lanka, and the United States. Interestingly, moonstone is the state gemstone of Florida, USA. It was designated as such in 1970 to commemorate the moon landings, which took off from Kennedy Space Center. Despite this, moonstone does not naturally occur in Florida.
Black star moonstone is primarily found in Sri Lanka, India, and Madagascar. The quality of the moonstone from these locations varies, with Sri Lankan moonstone often being considered the finest due to its strong blue adularescence. Indian black star moonstone is also highly valued for its distinct star effect and darker color, which makes it stand out from other moonstone varieties.
Feldspars
Feldspars are a group of rock-forming tectosilicate minerals that make up about 41% of the Earth’s continental crust by weight. They crystallize from magma as veins in both intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks and are present in many types of metamorphic rock.
Feldspars are important not only for their geological significance but also for their use in various industrial applications. They are used in the manufacture of glass and ceramics and are a key ingredient in scouring powders and other cleaning agents. In the gemstone world, feldspars are known for producing a variety of beautiful stones, including moonstone, labradorite, and sunstone.
Black Star Moonstone Meaning and Properties
The following section is pseudoscientific and based on cultural beliefs.
Black star moonstone has a strong energy that helps connect to the divine feminine during meditation. Like rainbow moonstone, it resonates within the higher chakras, potentially aiding in the development of psychic gifts. Its vibration is effective within the sacral or navel chakra, helping with the emergence of fresh and novel ideas.
This stone is also believed to have protective properties, especially during travel. Many consider it a talisman for safe journeys, both physical and spiritual. It is said to help balance emotions, promote calmness, and encourage introspection. Its grounding energy can assist in maintaining focus and clarity, especially during times of change.
In addition, black star moonstone is thought to help with emotional healing. It is often used to release negative energy and bring emotional stability, making it a popular choice for those seeking to overcome stress, anxiety, or past emotional traumas. The stone’s connection to lunar energy is believed to enhance intuition, allowing one to better understand their emotions and the emotions of others.
Many people also use black star moonstone to enhance creativity and inspire new ideas. Its energy is said to stimulate the imagination, making it a favored stone among artists, writers, and anyone involved in creative pursuits. The combination of its soothing energy and its ability to spark inspiration makes it a versatile stone for both emotional and creative support.
FAQ
Is labradorite the same as black moonstone?
Labradorite is classified as a plagioclase and calcium sodium feldspar, while moonstone is an orthoclase and potassium sodium feldspar. That is why moonstone and labradorite are considered sister stones: they belong to the same family but are gemologically distinct. Labradorite is known for its labradorescence, a play of colors that can include blue, green, yellow, and even red hues. On the other hand, black moonstone exhibits adularescence, a soft glow typically in blue, and may also show a star effect known as asterism.
Is black moonstone rare?
Yes, black moonstone is very rare due to the conditions required for its formation and the limited locations where it can be found. It is the rarest type of moonstone compared to varieties like rainbow moonstone and white moonstone. The rarity of black moonstone makes it highly desirable among collectors and gemstone enthusiasts.
How do you know if black star moonstone is real?
Ideally, adularescence should be blue, and the sheen should be visible under light on the top of a cabochon, easily seen from a wide range of viewing angles. The presence of a well-defined star effect, or asterism, is another indicator of genuine black star moonstone. Real black star moonstone will have a smooth, polished surface, with the star effect being most visible when the stone is viewed under a direct light source.
Natural Black Star Moonstone for Sale in Our Shop
We create custom black star moonstone jewelry, including engagement rings, necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets, and pendants. Please contact us for a quote.
