Published February 2016 • Updated February 2024 • Read Time: 6 minutes
Black Moonstone evokes the energy of the Dark Moon and the Dark Goddess. Moonstone is an ancient name that is used for a variety of iridescent Feldspar minerals. They are typically white stones that shimmer and glow when moved in the light, a optical phenomenon known as the Schiller Effect. During the 20th century, other iridescent stones began to be referred to as Moonstones, most famous some inky black Feldspar minerals. Black Moonstone is uniquely suited to exploring the subconscious and for shadow work. It is highly recommended for feminists and for healing wounds caused by toxic patriarchal systems.
Black Moonstone Meaning
Spiritual Healing Properties
Black Moonstone evokes the Goddess and the energy of the Dark Moon, a time for personal reflection, spiritual mystery, and deep psychic power. Moonstone is a stone of new beginnings, and the black ones invite us to explore our shadow side and the darker aspects of our life and psyche. Black Moonstone encourages us to sit with ourselves in non-judgement and accept “what is,” whether that be in the past or present, while simultaneously showing us the way forward, out of Darkness and into the Light. Black Moonstone is a warrior stone, with a deeply compassionate energy that suffers no fools and charges us to face the world honestly and fearlessly. Anyone who works with Black Moonstone will be asked to confront the Truth and be changed forever. Black Moonstone activates the Kundalini Serpent, teaches emotional balance, awakens intuition, and empowers spells.
| Metaphysical Properties | Black Moonstone |
|---|---|
| Chakra | Root, Sacral, Third Eye, and Crown |
| Element | Wind |
| Numerology | 4 |
| Zodiac | Cancer, Libra, Scorpio |
Emotional Healing Properties
Black Moonstone can help us to sort through our emotions and deeply ingrained beliefs and understand them better. It helps us to step back from intense situations and look at them critically and without emotional judgement. It can also be used to analyze our habits and patterns to see whether or not they truly serve us. Black Moonstone invites us to think before we act, and to take time to process and examine new information, before jumping to conclusions. It teaches us the value of patience, and that proper timing is one of the keys to success. Black Moonstone helps us to be comfortable with vulnerability and to allow our hearts to rest and heal.
Mental Healing Properties
Black Moonstone is a stone of wild inspiration and intuitive knowing. It encourages us to trust that everything is working out according to a higher Divine plan. Yet, it also empowers us to take charge of our own lives and to be responsible for creating a life we can be proud of. Black Moonstone invites us to look more closely at our own thoughts and how they affect the world around us, and then to choose thoughts which bless our lives with joy and peace. It helps to calm overreactions and helps us to logically and intuitively explore emotional triggers and other erratic energies.
Physical Healing Properties
Moonstone has been traditionally used by metaphysical healers to soothe hormonal fluctuations and to ease all aspects of menstruation, fertility, and childbirth. It is thought to be closely linked with the Pineal Gland and can help to balance hormones and other chemical systems. It is also believed to be helpful for healing the digestive tract and reproductive systems. Black Moonstone is said to be particularly good for treating postpartum depression or anxiety related to infertility or impotence. It is also a fantastic choice during perimenopause and menopause, for calming hot flashes and supporting the shift from one phase of life to another.
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Black Moonstone Mineralogy
Where does Black Moonstone come from?
Moonstones can be found in several countries, but most of the Black Moonstones on the market come from India, Madagascar, Mexico, and Norway.
Mining and Treatments
Moonstones are typically mined at their primary deposits which still have their original relationship with the host rock. They typically come from artisanal miners working small shafts dug out by hand.
Moonstones have a natural iridescence that is enhanced by cutting and polishing.
Black Moonstone
Mineral Family
Moonstone is a name used to describe a variety of Feldspar minerals which show a white, silver or rainbow iridescence. Feldspars are silicates, minerals which contain the elements Silicon (a light gray shiny metal) and Oxygen (a colorless gas). Together, these two elements form a tetrahedron – a shape similar to a pyramid – with a Silicon atom in the center and Oxygen atoms at each of the four corners. These tetrahedra connect with other chemical structures, in six different ways, to form various minerals and rocks. There are six main groups of Silicate minerals, and these main groups are further subdivided into secondary subdivisions, such as Quartz and Feldspar. Scientifically, Moonstone can be any of the following minerals: Orthoclase, Anorthoclase, Oligoclase or Adularia.
Black Moonstone’s energy works well with its family – other Feldspar minerals. Try it in combination with Amazonite, Labradorite, and Sunstone. If working with a white variety, try it with Peach Moonstone and Rainbow Moonstone.
Black Moonstone Formation and Crystal Associates
Moonstone can be formed through igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic processes. Its most famous feature is an iridescence which may be white, blue, or a full rainbow. This shimmer is called the “schiller effect” and is caused by tiny layers of various Feldspar minerals (most notably Albite) which are laid down during the crystallization process.
Moonstone’s energy works well with its “friends” – crystal associates formed in the same geological environment. Try it in combination with Black Tourmaline, Lepidolite and Topaz
| Mineralogy | Black Moonstone |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Various |
| Cleavage | Perfect |
| Color | Black |
| Crystal System | Monoclinic |
| Form/Habit | Short prismatic |
| Fracture | Conchoidal to uneven, brittle |
| Hardness – Mohs Scale | 6-6.5 |
| Luminescence | None |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Mineral Family | Feldspar |
| Specific Gravity | 2.6 |
| Streak | White |
| Transparency | Transparent to opaque |
History of Black Moonstone
Moonstone has been a prized gemstone for centuries. Unlike most healing stones, Moonstone isn’t a single mineral or a rock, but rather the title given to a variety of Feldspars that show a shimmering iridescence. Moonstone has been closely associated with the moon since antiquity. Because Moonstone has long been tied to the moon and lunar cycles, it is no surprise that Moonstone is often considered a particularly powerful talisman for women and feminine energies. It has long been associated with soothing menstrual discomfort, enhancing fertility, and easing the pains of childbirth.
For most of history Moonstones were exclusively white or cream colored stones. But in the 20th century, black and peach iridescent stones also began to be categorized as Moonstones. Black Moonstone is associated with the dark moon, a time of reflection and release. This moment in the lunar cycle is ideal for exploring our subconscious and observing ourselves with unflinching honesty. While shadow work may not be pleasant, it is often extremely necessary and offers gifts of wisdom. Black Moonstone is also closely connected to the darker aspects of the Goddess and with all the Sacred Mysteries.
