One of the most widely used of a large group of minerals called the feldspars is
moonstone. It is identified by its soft, glowing white or blue sheen. This sheen or play
of light is called adularescence. The stone can also appear totally transparent but it
is most valued when it exhibits the soft but distinctively blue glow appearing as a
cloud of light within the gem. It is believed that when moonstone jewelry is worn around
the neck that it protects the wearer against epilepsy and sunstroke. In many cases it
was also used to treat headaches and nosebleeds.

Moonstone gems that have a stronger, more bold body color come primarily from India. The
mining of these stones is frequently done by hand and the cutting process is usually
done locally. The gem is considered sacred in India and for centuries moonstone jewelry
has been used for personal adornment.

Other primary sources for the gym include Burma, Canada, Switzerland, Brazil and
Australia. In the United Stares, the majority comes from California, Virginia and
Colorado. When compared with other kinds of jewelry, moonstone jewelry is not as frequently
produced within the United States as the majority is imported from other countries