What Is Adularescence in Moonstone?

THE BASICS --

Lustrous and gleaming, moonstone is a unique and luxurious gem ideal as a statement piece, an eye-catching engagement ring, or a beautiful cocktail ring. But just how does this gem get its distinctive internal glow? Discover adularescence and how it impacts the mysterious moonstone.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide, we will explain the following:

• What is Moonstone?
• About Adularescence
• Making the Most of Adularescence in Moonstone

What Is Moonstone?

Before delving into the depths of this gem to learn what makes its internal light, you need to understand just what this beautiful stone is. Moonstone is sodium potassium aluminum silicate, a type of feldspar crystal. Also called hecatolite, this jewel has a pearly color that ranges from creamy or cool white to a rich blue. Paler shades are more common, while the most rare and valuable moonstone is nearly transparent.

The gem has been popular for centuries and was used in jewelry in both Ancient Greece and Rome, as well as in Hindu culture. While it has always been used, moonstone saw a resurgence in popularity during the Art Nouveau period from 1890 to 1910, making it a particularly popular choice in what today is luxurious antique jewelry. Typically, moonstone is polished into smooth cabochons that showcase its beauty in the best possible way.

Moonstone of varying qualities is found worldwide, with good mine deposits in Switzerland, Armenia, Australia, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Poland, and India. In the US, moonstone can be mined in Virginia and North Carolina.

Ironically, moonstone is the state gemstone of Florida, even though it does not naturally occur in the Sunshine State. Moonstone was designated as Florida’s state gem in 1970 in commemoration of the moon landings that launched from Cape Canaveral.

About Adularescence

What makes moonstone particularly unique is its lifelike internal glow, called adularescence or schiller. This is a stunning optical effect of how light bends and scatters through the layers of the stone’s crystalline structure. Because slight variations in the different stone layers cause slightly different refraction angles, the glow seems to shift and move as the stone is moved, giving it a lively and ethereal quality. The thinness of the layers and their exact composition impacts how the glow appears, and different types of light may also create somewhat different effects. Similar light effects are found in several other stones, including opal, agate, rose quartz, and labradorite.

White is the most common color effect of adularescence, giving the stone a milky or creamy appearance. Blue shades are also common, from a light, pale blue-white to darker, rich blue glows. Rarest is gold adularescence which creates an orange or yellow shimmer.

Making the Most of Adularescence in Moonstone

Regardless of the color or depth of the adularescence in any particular moonstone, proper care of the gem can ensure that stunning quality stays just as beautiful for years to come. The stone should be carefully cleaned on a regular basis because any buildup of dust, dirt, or oil on the surface of the stone can limit light entering the gem and dull the adularescence effect. Polishing the stone with a soft, lint-free cloth can keep it lustrous.

A more open, elevated setting for a moonstone piece can be a better choice to maximize the light that reaches the gem and can create a more powerful adularescence impact. On more recessed settings, it is especially important to keep the ring clean so no dirt or debris clogs the tiny spaces that bring light into the gem.

Understanding exactly what adularescence is in moonstone does not diminish the beauty and mystique of the stone. On the contrary, the better you understand adularescence, the better you can appreciate the amazing qualities of moonstone.

Suzanne Sachs

Suzanne has always believed vintage rings can change lives. She's been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you — your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.

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