Moonstone beads are a transparent to semi-translucent gem characterized by an enchanting play of light known as `adularescence`. In earlier times, people believed they could see in it the phases of the moon. Moonstones from Sri Lanka, the classical country of origin of the moonstone, shimmer in pale blue on an almost transparent background. Specimens from India feature an interplay of light and shadow on a background of beige-brown, green, orange, milky white or brown. Moonstone belongs to large mineral group of the feldspars known as `adularia` found in the European Alps near the Adula Group upon which the name was derived. Another synonym for moonstone is `selenite`, from the Greek `selene` (`moon`). Moonstone is mined in the USA, Brazil, Australia, Myanmar and Madagascar. The more intense in color, the larger and the more transparent, the more highly valued the moonstone. Really fine blue specimens display an incredible `three-dimensional` depth of color. Care for your Moonstone with warm water, a mild soap and a soft cloth to cleanse then lay flat to dry.