Black Moonstone

What is Black Moonstone?

Black Moonstone belongs to the large family of Feldspars and is usually a sodium rich Plagioclase, related to the Feldspars that make up Labradorite and classic Moonstone too. The dark, grey to charcoal black colour arises from fine inclusions and traces of iron within the crystal. When you tilt the stone in the light, you often see a soft silvery blue or pearly sheen drift across the surface. This glow, called schiller or adularescence, arises because light refracts on wafer thin, alternating layers of Feldspar within the stone. Black Moonstone forms deep within solidified magma such as Basalt and Gabbro, where the Feldspar layers slowly arrange themselves as it cools. With a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, the stone is fairly soft and prone to scratching.

Meaning and History of Black Moonstone

The name Moonstone is ancient and was traditionally used for iridescent feldspars whose soft glow recalls moonlight. For a long time that name applied only to the light, creamy white varieties. Only in the twentieth century did the dark feldspars with a silvery sheen also receive the name Moonstone, and the trade name Black Moonstone appeared. In the crystal world it is often called New Moonstone as well, because its dark colour is linked to the new moon: the moment when the moon is invisible and you quietly plant new intentions. Little is known with certainty about an ancient history of this dark variety in particular, and we prefer to tell you that honestly. What remains is a clear symbolism: Black Moonstone stands for new beginnings, inner knowing and the earthy side of lunar energy.

Physical Properties Black Moonstone

On an energetic level, Black Moonstone is valued above all for its grounding, calming character. Where the body sometimes becomes overstimulated and your mind keeps churning, the heavy, rooted energy of the stone is associated with coming to rest and reconnecting with your body. Many people hold the stone in moments of tension because they experience its gentle, earthy energy as supportive. Like the other moonstones, Black Moonstone has traditionally been connected with the natural rhythms and cycles of the body, including the feminine cycle. Those who learn to listen to those rhythms often experience more balance between effort and recovery. In this way, Black Moonstone can contribute in a soft, natural way to a sense of inner calm and connection with the earth.

Please note: gemstones can offer support on an emotional and energetic level, but are never a substitute for medical or professional care. If you have any complaints or concerns, always consult your physician.

Black Moonstone and New Beginnings

Black Moonstone is the stone par excellence for new beginnings. Where you sometimes stay stuck in doubt, it helps you take a fresh step with confidence and a grounded feeling. If you work with the moon cycle, place a tumbled stone or raw stone with your intentions during the new moon, and write down what you want to invite into your life. Carry a Black Moonstone as a tumbled stone in your pocket on days when you make an important choice, and breathe calmly while you sense what feels right. Place the stone on your nightstand to deepen your dreams and give your sleep a sheltered atmosphere. On your desk or in your meditation corner, a cluster or freeform reminds you that every ending also holds a new beginning. Especially during transitions, Black Moonstone gives you the courage to trust your feeling.

Spiritual Properties

Spiritually, Black Moonstone carries the dark, receptive side of lunar energy. It invites you not only to seek the light, but also to look gently at what lies hidden: old patterns, unconscious habits and feelings that ask for attention. For people who quickly retreat into their heads, the earthy energy of the stone can be an anchor that brings you back to feeling and to the present. It has traditionally been used to strengthen intuition and inner knowing, and to help you release what may come to a close. At the same time, Black Moonstone offers a sense of protection and security, as if you may rest in stillness before you begin again. In this way, the stone brings balance between head and heart, between what you think and what you already know deep inside, and between letting go and starting anew.

How to Use Black Moonstone?

• Wear Black Moonstone as jewellery, for example one of our Black Moonstone bracelets or Black Moonstone pendants, so its grounding energy travels with you all day.
• Place a Black Moonstone in the bedroom or living room for a calm, sheltered atmosphere.
• Hold a tumbled stone in your hand during meditation, or rest it on your lower belly to turn your attention inward and downward.
• Place the stone with your intentions during a new moon, to support a fresh start with confidence.

Types and Varieties of Black Moonstone

Black Moonstone is part of the larger moonstone family and is also sold as New Moonstone. Well-known related types are:

• Moonstone: the classic, creamy white variety with a soft bluish white sheen, lighter and dreamier in character than the earthy Black Moonstone.
• Rainbow Moonstone: a clear, almost transparent stone with flashes of blue and sometimes other colours. Mineralogically this is actually a white Labradorite, but in the trade it is known as Moonstone.
• Peach Moonstone: a warm, soft orange type that is often connected with self acceptance and a loving feeling.

Beautiful Gemstone Combinations

Black Tourmaline

Black Tourmaline is the protective stone par excellence and strengthens the grounding effect of Black Moonstone. Where Black Moonstone gently brings you inward and toward the earth, Black Tourmaline shields your energy from outside influences. Together they form a sturdy, rooted duo for moments when you seek calm and protection.

Labradorite

Labradorite is, like Black Moonstone, a feldspar with an enchanting play of colour, but with a more magical, transformative character. Where Black Moonstone supports grounding and new beginnings, Labradorite opens you to change and inner growth. These two related stones guide you beautifully through transitional phases in life.

Smoky Quartz

Smoky Quartz is a powerful grounding stone that helps release tension and old ballast. Together with the calm energy of Black Moonstone, an earthy combination arises that keeps you firmly in the here and now. Lovely for anyone who wants to discharge and start something new with a clean slate.

Properties

• Hardness: 6 to 6.5 (Mohs scale)
• Density: 2.56 to 2.62 g/cm³
• Composition: (Na,Ca)(Si,Al)4O8
• Crystal structure: triclinic
• Colour: grey to charcoal black, with a silvery blue sheen

Locations

• India
• Madagascar
• Sri Lanka
• Mexico
• Norway
• United States
• Ukraine
• Australia
• Canada

Zodiac Signs

Cancer

Cancer is ruled by the moon and therefore resonates strongly with all moonstones. This sensitive, caring sign picks up many emotions, both its own and those of others. Black Moonstone helps Cancer to ground and let those feelings flow without drowning in them, close to its own intuition.

Scorpio

Scorpio is an intense, profound water sign that lives in the world of emotions and transformation. Black Moonstone gently guides Scorpio through processes of letting go and beginning again. This helps the sign feel safer to go into the depths and trust what stirs beneath the surface.

Capricorn

Capricorn is an earthy, goal oriented sign that loves structure and new resolutions. The grounded, stable energy of Black Moonstone fits beautifully with that. It helps Capricorn to bring feeling alongside reason when taking a new step.

Chakras

Root Chakra

The Root Chakra is the centre of safety, stability and grounding. Black Moonstone naturally resonates with it through its earthy, rooted energy. A stone placed here during meditation can help you relax and feel connected again with the ground beneath your feet.

Sacral Chakra

The Sacral Chakra is the centre of feeling, creativity and feminine energy. Black Moonstone supports the flow of emotions here and the connection with your creative power. It therefore fits beautifully with everything to do with cycles, feeling and new beginnings.

Third Eye Chakra

The Third Eye Chakra is the centre of intuition, insight and imagination. Black Moonstone strengthens the connection with this Chakra and helps you trust your inner knowing. In this way you bring head and feeling closer together, especially at moments when you have to make a choice.

Care

With its hardness of 6 to 6.5 and good cleavage, Black Moonstone is a somewhat softer stone, so care is important. You can clean it very briefly under lukewarm running water: pat the stone dry afterwards and do not let it soak for long, because prolonged contact with water can affect the stone. If you want to cleanse it energetically, you can also pass the stone through the smoke of Sage or Palo Santo, or place it on Hematite Chips overnight to discharge. Moonlight is ideal for charging and especially fitting for this stone: place Black Moonstone on the windowsill during the new or full moon. Charging on Rock Crystal Chips also works well. The colour of Black Moonstone does not fade in the sun, but do avoid prolonged heat and sudden temperature changes, as these can cause the stone to crack. Preferably store it separately from harder stones so it does not get scratched.

More information about the cleansing and charging of gemstones can be found in our blog "The cleansing and charging of gemstones".

Frequently Asked Questions about Black Moonstone

What does Black Moonstone mean?

The name refers to the soft, silvery sheen of this dark feldspar, which recalls moonlight. Black Moonstone, also called New Moonstone, symbolizes new beginnings, grounding and inner knowing.

Can Black Moonstone get wet?

Black Moonstone can be cleaned very briefly under lukewarm running water, but do not let it soak for long. Because of its softness and cleavage, prolonged contact with water can damage the stone, so pat it dry well afterwards.

Can Black Moonstone be placed in sunlight?

Yes, the colour of Black Moonstone does not fade in sunlight. However, avoid prolonged heat and sudden temperature changes, as these can cause the stone to crack. For this stone, charging is loveliest in moonlight.

Which Chakra is associated with Black Moonstone?

Black Moonstone resonates most strongly with the Root Chakra and the Sacral Chakra, the centres of grounding and feeling. Through the Third Eye Chakra it also supports your intuition and inner knowing.

Where is the best place to put Black Moonstone?

The bedroom is a wonderful spot: on the nightstand, Black Moonstone supports calm dreams and a sheltered feeling. Its earthy energy also comes into its own with your intentions during the new moon, in your meditation space or worn as jewelry.

Summary

Black Moonstone is a dark feldspar with a soft silvery blue sheen, also known as New Moonstone. Where classic Moonstone is light and dreamy, this variety feels earthier and more rooted. On an energetic level, Black Moonstone supports grounding, calming restlessness, strengthening intuition and embracing new beginnings. It resonates with the Root Chakra, the Sacral Chakra and the Third Eye Chakra, and suits Cancer, Scorpio and Capricorn beautifully. Combine it, for example, with Black Tourmaline, Labradorite or Smoky Quartz. Clean it very briefly under lukewarm water, charge it in moonlight and store it with care.

If you have any questions about Black Moonstone, please do not hesitate to contact Kristalmeester. We are happy to help.