Moonstone in ancient lore and legends

Moonstone in ancient lore and legends

As an all-time seeker, you aren’t satisfied with just experiencing things, you wanna know where they came from, how they came to be, and what their purpose is. Moonstone is one of the most fascinating gems in the world with its play of light called “adularescence”. Its pearly iridescence could simply be magic for others. They shut their eyes and instantly believe something unexplainable made it.

But you are different. You already know everything about Moonstone meaning and you are here to unravel the ancient lore and legends behind it. You know deep inside that the gem is created for a higher purpose. Let the following collection of stories from around the world throughout history enlighten you about the magic of the moon inside the Moonstone gem.


From Hindu Roots

Moonstone is the sacred stone of India. During the earliest traditions, the gem was said to have been embedded in the forehead of Ganesh, the four-handed god of the moon, since the beginning of time. It was written in Hindu mythology that moonstone is made from moonbeams, thus its luster. The magnificent gem is never displayed outside for sale unless placed on a yellow cloth, as yellow is a sacred color.

According to other legends, Moonstone can give gifts of prophecy and clairvoyance to the wearer. It could also clear the mind for the wearer to welcome wisdom. But to unlock this ability, Moonstone must be placed in their mouths during the full moon.


Glorified in Greek and Roman Mythology

Since Moonstone looks a lot like the moonshine, ancient Romans believed that it was formed from moonlight. If you look at the gem closely, you’ll see a dance of light that lurks on the insides of the gem. Ancient Greeks merged the names of the goddess of love (Aphrodite) and the goddess of the moon (Selene) and christened Moonstone as “Aphroselene”. While the Romans believed that the gem exhibits the image of their moon goddess, Diana.

It is also known as an aphrodisiac and when worn by two people, they will fall passionately in love when the moon is high. Moonstone was once called the “Travelers Stone” as it is said to protect those who travel at night, especially at sea.


A Charm in the Orient

It is said in an Asian myth that the most beautiful blue moonstones are brought by tides once every 21 years. The gem was used as amulets and hung in fruit trees to attract abundant crops. They also use Moonstone as a good luck charm and a powerful cure for insomnia. Another ancient lore describes moonstone a talismanic gem of winter and a phenomenal gem to be worn on Mondays.

Ancient Asians believe that the moving light inside the gem is a live spirit. Moonstone is given as a customary wedding gift for the thirteenth year and every thirteen years after that, as they believe that the gem can wash away the negative connotation of thirteen.

One famous legend from Vedic history talks about the battle between Vishnu and Bali, the demon god. When Vishnu broke Bali’s body into pieces, the parts that fell on Earth turned into different jewels. The sparkle in his eyes turned into “Chandrakanta" or what we know now as Moonstone.

Wanna discover our full Moon Magic collection now?

Dive into our women's collection of Moonstone rings to get inspired.