Past blog hops and challenges

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

It's the letter "M" for the Blogging A - Z Challenge

Today’s topic starts with the letter “M”. 
Its name is derived from the visual effect caused by light falling between flat, thin layers of two different feldspar species and scattering in many directions.  Its name is Moonstone. 


It has been used in jewelry since ancient times where is was believed that it was formed from the light of the moon.  In recent times it became popular in the Art Nouveau period between 1890 and 1910.  Those pieces today can be found in museums and private collections. 


Moonstone comes in shades of gray and peach.  It has an unusual luster and high quality stones may also display cat’s eye.  Moonstone deposits can be found in Australia, Mexico, Europe, Asia and the United States where it is the gemstone of the State of Florida.
Thanks for stopping by.  Be sure to come back tomorrow and see what stone is going to be the letter "N".
Carolyn

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