Moonstone (likely Sanidine) (ex Jim Houran Collection)

Item Description

Moonstone is a gem that everybody has heard of, but few people have great examples in their collection. It refers to Feldspar (Microcline, Sanidine, Orthoclase for example) that can range from opaque to gem grade and exhibits and a pearly and opalescent "sheen" when rotated in the light. Typically this "sheen" will be a blue hue, but various shades of green, purple or pink can be present. This effect is referred to as adularescence, and is the result of intergrown crystals of Feldspar at differently oriented positions within the main mass of the Moonstone. This particular stone is arguably the finest quality example of the Rabb Canyon Moonstones that I've seen. It is not only gem quality, but displays a lovely silvery-blue "sheen" on the surface when it's rotated in the light. Additionally, the interesting "Pentagon" cut on the gem allows for an almost haunting effect, as the light moves within the gem in an almost spectral way. There is an "other worldly" quality to this gem when you hold it in your hand, and I have to say, I've seen a lot of Moonstone gems over the years, but this one has a different life to it if that makes sense. A must have stone for any rare gem collector, a fan of faceted Feldspar or gems of the Southwestern United States. If you'd like to read more about this locality, I found an article online that details Rabb Canyon Moonstone ( http://www.attawaygems.com/NMFG/New_Mexican_Moonstone.html ). This stone is accompanied by a printed gem report from The Gem Trader, validating its authenticity. From the collection of Dr. James "Jim" Houran, noted thumbnail mineral collector, gemstone collector and a speaker at our annual Dallas Mineral Symposium. Jim is the Managing Director of AETHOS Consulting Group. He's a 25-year veteran in applied psychological research and a published expert on peak performance, online testing and interpersonal and organizational compatibility. He has authored over 150 articles, and his award-winning work has been profiled by a myriad of media outlets and programs including the Discovery Channel, A&E, BBC, National Geographic, NBC’s Today Show, USA Today, New Scientist, Psychology Today and Forbes.com.