Gemstones M-O : facts & lore

As a qualified gemmologist, I love sharing the science, history and stories behind the stones I use. This page covers gemstones beginning with M–O, including:

• Physical properties (hardness, composition, crystal system)
• Origins and historical uses
• Metaphysical folklore and lore*

MALACHITE

What is malachite?
Malachite takes its name from the Greek word for “mallow,” a green herb. The ancient Egyptians called it “mafek,” a term applied to malachite and other green stones alike. It was popular in ancient cultures for jewellery, amulets and even as a powder for eye cosmetics, and was also ground as a pigment for mountain green” paint.

The Russian tsars held malachite in particularly high regard — a room of the Imperial Palace was lined with malachite slabs, and some Russian Orthodox churches feature massive malachite columns
and altars.

The massive form of malachite displays a botryoidal (ball-like) growth structure, and the banded patterns visible when it is cut follow this natural growth pattern. Pieces without banding are rare.

Where is malachite found?
Russia, Zaire, Australia, Chile, Namibia, Zimbabwe and the USA.

Metaphysical lore: Malachite is considered a powerful protective stone — traditionally regarded as the guardian stone of travellers, and believed to be particularly beneficial to pilots. Metaphysical practitioners believe it amplifies energies, absorbs negative energies and pollutants, and helps soak up radiation of all kinds. It is described as an adventurous stone that encourages risk-taking and change. Crystal healers advise that malachite should only be used under recommendation.

MOONSTONE

What is moonstone?
Moonstone is an orthoclase feldspar, prized for its distinctive white, billowy shimmer known as adularescence — sometimes also called opalescence. This soft, glowing effect is reminiscent of
moonshine, which is the origin of its name. It is caused by light bouncing off the internal structure of alternating layers of albite and orthoclase feldspar within the stone.

Where is moonstone found?
Sri Lanka, Burma, Brazil, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Tanzania, Europe and the USA.

Metaphysical lore: Moonstone is considered a stone of new beginnings, and through the ages people have strongly connected it to the moon and to intuition. Ancients used it to enhance psychic abilities, to treat insomnia and to prevent sleepwalking. Crystal healers believe it balances and calms overreactions, and supports both the digestive and reproductive systems.

MOSS AGATE

What is moss agate?
Moss agate is a translucent chalcedony containing inclusions of green hornblende or chlorite arranged in moss-like patterns. Where the iron in the hornblende has oxidised, the inclusions may appear brown or red instead. Moss agate is typically used in thinner slabs so that the moss-like imagery can be seen clearly.

While “agate” usually refers to a banded stone, the name “moss agate” for this variety is widely accepted.

Where is moss agate found?
India, China, Russia and the USA.

Metaphysical lore: Moss agate is considered strongly connected to nature, and is believed to enable you to see beauty in all things. It is thought to be particularly beneficial for those working in agriculture or botany. Traditionally, it was used as a charm by midwives to lessen pain and ensure a safe delivery. As a stone of abundance, it is believed to attract wealth, improve self-esteem and relieve stress. Crystal healers associate it with speeding recovery and boosting the immune system.

MUSCOVITE

What is muscovite?
Muscovite is a form of mica, named after the Muscovy state in Russia, where it was used as a glass substitute in the 14th century. It was also known as isinglass and was used as a form of tempered glass. Ground muscovite has historically been used in eye cosmetics and as glitter.

Its rich, sparkling appearance — caused by its characteristic mica platelets — makes it a distinctive and attractive collector’s stone.

Metaphysical lore: Muscovite is considered a mystical, visionary stone, believed to be helpful for those with dyspraxia. Practitioners associate it with reducing anger and stress, encouraging a positive outlook, aiding clear expression and helping the body achieve its appropriate weight.

NEBULA STONE

What is nebula stone?
Nebula stone is a rock rather than a single mineral, composed of quartz, riebeckite, anorthoclase, acmite, arfvedsonite and zircon. It is a relatively recent discovery and is currently found in only one location in the world — the USA.

NEVADA STONE

What is Nevada stone?
Nevada stone is named after the US state in which it is found. A rock rather than a single mineral, it is composed of eleven minerals: thulite, scapolite, sericite, diopside and epidote, with minor amounts of feldspar, quartz, zoisite, clinozoisite, actinolite and apatite.

Discovered in 1954, it was not widely known until 1989 and supply remains limited. It is sometimes sold under the names “Nevada Lapis” or “Nevada Jasper.”

Metaphysical lore: Nevada stone is believed to be a source of creativity and protection, and is thought to promote courage.

OBSIDIAN

What is obsidian?
Named after the Roman Obsius, obsidian is a natural glass formed from volcanic lava that cooled so rapidly that crystallisation did not occur. Inclusions within the stone can produce a striking metallic sheen. It has been used since ancient times in amulets, mirrors and jewellery, and in prehistoric times for making tools and weapons — its conchoidal fracture producing edges sharp enough for use as blades.

Where is obsidian found?
Ecuador, Hawaii, Hungary, Russia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Mexico and the USA.

Similar stones: Can be confused with jet, hematite and onyx.

Notable varieties:

Snowflake obsidian displays grey-white inclusions — internal bubbles or crystals that create a snowflake-like effect. Found in Mexico and the USA.

Apache tears are small, rounded nodules of dark obsidian found in the USA, particularly in New Mexico and Arizona.

Metaphysical lore: Obsidian is considered a powerful stone. Its lack of crystal structure is believed to remove limitations in its effectiveness — exposing flaws, weaknesses and blockages, and clearing negative influences. Crystal healers believe many people can find the stone overwhelming, and recommend it be used under the guidance of a qualified crystal healer. It is associated with bringing clarity and helping you understand your true self. Snowflake obsidian and apache tears are considered gentler forms in a metaphysical sense.

OCEAN JASPER

What is ocean jasper?
Ocean jasper is found only off the coast of Madagascar and can only be mined at low tide — making it a genuinely rare and sought-after stone. It is a silicified form of rhyolite, best known for its striking orbicular (circular) patterns.

ONYX (BLACK)

Onyx is the name used for single-coloured chalcedony (agate). The name originates from the Greek word meaning “fingernail,” likely a reference to its translucency. Black onyx is often treated to achieve a more uniform colour.

See the Agate entry for further details.

OPAL

What is opal?
The name opal is derived from the Sanskrit upala, meaning “precious stone.” Dating from the Cretaceous period — when dinosaurs walked the earth — opal formed as silica gel seeped into cavities and fissures in rock, hardening over millions of years.

The mesmerising play of colour that opals are famous for is caused by light reflecting off layers of tiny silica spheres within the stone. The size of these spheres determines which colours appear as flashes when the stone is moved.

There are several distinct categories of opal:

• Precious opal — white, black, boulder and crystal; displays play of colour
• Fire opal — yellow to orange-red; often shows little or no play of colour and can appear milky or turbid
• Common opal — no play of colour; Peru produces a well-known example in soft pink tones

Moss opal is a common opal with dendritic inclusions.

Ethiopian opal has a distinctive “jelly” appearance — transparent to translucent — with colour flashes suspended within the body of the stone.

Where is opal found?
Black, white, boulder and crystal opal come primarily from Australia. Black opal is the rarest and most valuable variety. White opal is also mined in Brazil. Crystal opal is found in the USA (Nevada) and Mexico. Fire opal is found in Mexico, Brazil, Guatemala, the USA and Australia. Other sources include Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Peru, Ethiopia, Japan and Russia.

History and lore: Opal was prized by the Aztecs and the ancient tribes of Central Africa. Opal was mined in Slovakia until the end of the 1800s, and featured in the Crown of the Holy Roman Emperor and the Crown Jewels of France. It appears in the plays of Shakespeare and the novels of Sir Walter Scott. Napoleon gave an opal to Josephine.

Origin Myth: Arabs believed opals were magical stones that rained from the skies. According to Greek myth, Zeus wept tears of joy after defeating the Titans — and where his tears fell, they became opals. Throughout the Middle Ages, opal was called “ophthalmios” — the “eye stone” — and was considered beneficial to eyesight. Europeans believed that wrapping an opal in a fresh bay leaf would render the wearer invisible.

In the Orient, it was cherished as “the stone of hope.” One of the prettiest origin myths comes from Arab tradition: when lightning strikes the ground, it leaves small remnants of the lightning captured as flashes within the stone.

Care note: As opal is relatively soft, it is best avoided in rings — fine surface scratches will accumulate over time and dull the finish.

Metaphysical lore: Opal is believed to enhance self-worth and bring lightness and spontaneity. Wearing opal is said to bring loyalty and faithfulness, and to strengthen the will to live. Scandinavian women wore opals in their hair to prevent it from going grey. Arabs believed opal would ward off lightning and grant invisibility to its wearer.

*Disclaimer – Metaphysical & Healing Claims

In keeping with Australian Fair Trading guidelines, no therapeutic claims are made and no medical advice is offered.

The information on metaphysical properties and folklore provided on annettepiper.com is for educational and cultural purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment.

We assume no responsibility for the treatment or cure of any illness or disease. If you have a health concern, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

This content is intended as general information and should not be used for self-diagnosis or as a replacement for medical care.

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