Moonstone Gemstone

Moonstone is representation of the Moon and normally found as a translucent creamy white stone with a glow like that of the Moon. This stone is the astrological substitute of Pearl and an excellent stone for ladies. This gemstones in fact comes in a variety of colors, with Clarity ranging from transparent to translucent. It is also found with a bluish or yellowish tint or colors ranging from colorless to white, gray, brown, orange, green, or pink. The blue colored is considered the most precious among all. This gem is also referred to as ‘Rainbow Moonstone’ because it will pick up the colors you wear.

Precious and Semiprecious Gemstones

There are 9 Precious gemstones representing the nine Planets. They are also referred as ‘navaratna’ which is a Sanskrit term which means ‘nine gems’ or ‘a jewelry set with nine gems’. These stones are popular and well known. The navaratna or nine gemstones representing the navagrahas or nine planets are Ruby, Pearl, Yellow Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, Red Coral, Blue Sapphire, Gomedh and Cats Eye.

There are several stones which are as popular and costly as the precious ones.I have written about most semiprecious or substitute stones like agate, amazonite,amber, ametrine, amethyst,aventurine, aquamarine, bloodstone, carnelian,Chrysocolla, citrine, crystal, fluorite, garnet, hematite, iolite, jade, jasper, kunzite, lapis lazuli, malachite, moonstone, onyx, peridot, sodalite,spinel, tanzanite, topaz, tourmaline, turquoise and zircon.

Find more on these gems individually in my HubPage Article 'Precious and Semiprecious Gemstones'.

Gems by Zodiac Sign or Birth Date

Aries (March 21- April 20) Coral
Taurus (Apr 21- May 20) Diamond
Gemini (May 21- June 20) Emerald
Cancer (Jun 21- July 20) Pearl
Leo (July 21- Aug 21) Ruby
Virgo (May 21 – June 20) Emerald
Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22) Diamond
Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 22) Coral
Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 20) Yellow Sapphire
Capricorn (Dec 21 – Jan 19) Blue Sapphire
Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18) Blue Sapphire
Pisces (Feb 19 – March 20) Yellow Sapphire

The sub stones which can be used instead of precious stones as Zodiac Stones or Birth Stones are as follows

Diamond - White Agate, Opal, Crystal, White Sapphire
Emerald -Green Agate, Green Onex, Green Jade, Turquoise
Pearl - Milky Agate, White Coral, Moon Stone
Ruby - Star Ruby, Ratva Agate, Garnet
Coral - Red Agate, Red Onex
Yellow Sapphire - Yellow Agate, Golden Topaz
Blue Sapphire - Amethyst, Black Star, Lapis

Classification of Gemstones

Gemstones have been widely mentioned in Vedic literature like the Brihat Samhita, Bhava Prakash, Ayurveda Prakash, Garuda Purana and the Rasa Ratna Samuchaya.The Puranas, Agni Purana and Garuda Purana also have reference of gemstones. Gemstones have healing powers and can remove blockages which are the cause of diseases in the human body. It is said that in order to get maximum effect of gems it should be worn and not just owned unlike Rudraksha beads where benefits of these beads can be obtained by just worship also.

Scientifically, Gemstones are formed because of the chemical reactions and can be broadly classified into two, one is those which are mined and the other those come from the Sea. Those gems which are mined include Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby etc and those which are obtained from the sea include Pearl and Coral. Some of the components of gems are Carbon, Calcium, Aluminum, Manganese, Potassium, Prosperous, Beryllium, Hydrogen etc.

According to the astrological point of view the gemstones are divided into two, one is the navratnas and the second is sub stones. The Navaratnas (9 stones) are Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Coral, Pearl, Hessonite and Cat's Eye. There are around 80 substones out of which the main sub stones are Citrine, Amethyst, Rock Crystal, Malachite, Turquoise, Peridot, Tourmaline, Opal, Goldstone,Quartz, Zircon, Agate, Lapis Lazuli, Garnet, Moonstone, Hematite, Load Stone, Malanite/Andradite, Chatiyant Quartz/Tiger Eye, Jade/Jadeite, Onyx, Agate, Sulemani Onyx,Aquamarine, Smoky Quartz, Alexandrite, Blood Stone, Amber, Turmaline, and Rainbow Quartz.

Another mode of classification of Gemstones can be as Hot and Cold. The Hot gemstones include Ruby, Red Coral, Diamond and Cats Eye and the Cold gems include Pearl, Topaz, Blue Sapphire and Gomedh.

Pearl Jewellery - an auspicious gift

Pearl Jewellery can be worn by anyone and they make fantastic ornaments. The availability of Pearls in different colors and shapes make them ideal for making Ornaments. Moreover, there are no negative results unlike other gems. Pearl symbolizes love, success and happiness. Pearl Jewelry is considered an ideal gift for a loved one.

It was a common belief that a gift of white pearls ensured the happiness of married couples. White pearls jewelry are the favorite of women in the U.S and Europe. Pearl often symbolizes a happy marriage and in many countries Pearl Jewelry is given as a wedding gift to the Bride. I do not know how and when the tradition of gifting Freshwater Pearl is on the occasion of the 1st year of marriage started. But I remember reading it some where that there is such a tradition. Pearl is also the anniversary gemstone for the 12th and 30th year of marriage. Pearl Jewelry is also gifted to Bridesmaids as a token of appreciation and love. It is also given to females on the occasion of weddings, graduation, Valentines Day and birthdays as a gift.

Find more about Wedding Anniversary Gemstones and metals for different years of Marriage.

Pearl Jewellery and Care

Pearl Gemstone Jewelry is never known to be out of fashion. It has become a style statement irrespective of the ages. Is there any woman in the face of earth who can resist beautiful Pearl Jewellery. I do not think so. Pearl, because of its beauty, colors and shapes is one of the most preferred Jewellery among women. Pearl also goes well as a combination with other gemstones which of course is an added advantage. Pearl Jewelry, in any form, is loved by one and all. However, white is the most preferred color. White Pearl Jewellery is popular as Bridal or Wedding Jewellery. Pearl Jewellery popular as a family heirloom which is passed from mother to daughter. Pearl Necklaces, Bangles, ear rings, bracelets and rings are extremely popular as Jewelry. Pearl necklaces comes in various types and fancy names like pearl Collar, Pearl Rope, Opera necklace, Princess Necklace, Pearl Choker etc. Pearl Jewelry is often given as gifts to bridesmaids as a token of appreciation and love. Pearl Jewelry is also an ideal gift to ladies on the occasion of wedding, anniversaries, graduation, birthday and Valentines Day. Pearls are also used as costume jewelry especially for bridal dresses. A wide range of Pearl Jewellery is available with Online shopping Stores like Amazon.

It is advisable to keep your Pearl Jewellery away from cosmetics, perfume or hair spray. Never use or expose pearls to dish detergents, bleaches, powdered cleansers, baking soda, or ammonia based cleaners. Also do not use toothbrushes, scouring pads or abrasive materials to clean pearls. If necessary, Pearls can be washed in warm soap water and then thoroughly dry it with a clean and soft towel.

Characteristics of Pearls

The basic characteristics of Pearl are :-

• Shape: The shape of Pearl can be round, rice shaped, baroque, oval, button, mabe or teardrop. Among all, Round shaped is the most preferred and auspicious.
• Size : The size of Pearl is usually measured in millimeters. Pearls come in a wide range of sizes. Those weighing less than 50 milligrams are called seed pearls. The largest naturally occurring pearls are the baroque pearls. However, when it comes to pearl size the most popular sizes are between 6mm to 8.5mm.
• Luster: The deeper the layers, the higher the luster. When buying Pearls it's wise to look at them with your back to the light. A fine pearl will reflect your image like a mirror.
• Color : Pearls are available in different colors. They are available in colors like white, cream, black, grey, blue, yellow, lavender, green and mauve. The white Pearls are considered best of all. The availability of Pearls in different colors makes it ideal for making jewellery. Pearl Jewelry enhances the natural beauty of the wearer.
  

To test the quality of Pearl soaks it in a solution of warm oil and salt. If the Pearl is genuine no damage would happen to the Pearl. Also, if a natural pearl is rubbed with a dry cotton cloth containing rice, a genuine pearl will maintain its luster and color. A well equipped gem testing confirms if the gemstone is genuine or fake. Another method of testing for imitations is to rub the pearl against the surface of a front tooth.

Pearl Gemstone Jewellery for Health

Wearing pearl jewellery is said to reduce anger and unwanted thoughts. It is also said that wearing Pearl Jewelry brings wealth, happiness and stability in life. Pearl can also be worn if a person is mentally weak and exceedingly emotional or have uncontrollable anger or worries. Pearls strengthen the mind, help control anger and increase memory. They have a calming and peaceful effect. Pearls is said to reduce body heat to balance bodily fluids. Pearls can calm the nerves, relieve anxiety, lessen tension and help with mental problems caused by too much heat in the brain and heart. Pearl should also be worn by those who are pessimistic or under depression. Pearls transmit the color orange which is used to treat the diseases relating to blood and bodily secretions that are caused by inflammation. Pearls may also help improve tuberculosis, heart disease, ulcers, fever, epilepsy, diabetes, insomnia, eye problems and uterine problems. Women can wear pearls for menstrual problems. Pearl is also known for its healing powers. Pearls eliminate emotional imbalances. They help one master the heart chakra, aid stomach, spleen, intestinal tract and ulcer problems.

Pearl - Introduction

Pearls have always been a favorite gemstone with the royal families and celebrities. Pearl is considered as a sign of elegance and class. Pearl, also referred to as the Queen of Gems or Tears of the Sea, is an emblem of beauty, purity and innocence. It is said that no two pearls are alike. This uniqueness and beauty of Pearls has made it a prized possession for ages. Pearl is obtained from the Sea. Basically, there are two types of Pearl, Sea Pearls and Fresh water Pearls. Pearl is available in different shapes and colors. The price of pearls varies widely as a result of luster, size, their origin, color and type. Among Pearls, Natural pearls are the most expensive. Fresh water pearls are relatively inexpensive.

There is no proof as to who discovered Pearl and when it was discovered. There is reference of Pearl been used by Romans and Egyptians back as the 5th Century BC. There is mention of Pearl in Bible, Quran and Hindu religious texts like Garuda Purana and AtharvaVeda. Other than Jewellery, Pearls are also been used in cosmetics, paints and medicines. It is believed that Cleopatra crushed a Pearl in a glass of Wine and drunk it to prove that she could give the most expensive dinner. A French jeweller Jacques Cartier is said to have bought one of his famous stores in New York with two pearl necklaces in the year 1916. Julius Caesar is said to have given a Pearl as gift to the mother of Brutus. It is said that some countries even passed laws that only noble class should wear Pearls. Famous pearl lovers include Queen Elizabeth 1 of England, Jaqueline Kennedy and Princess Diana.