Regarded in the East as an especially lucky gem and in India as a sacred one, moonstone is so named because of its translucent, milky white color, which resembles the glow of the moon. Also called selenite (after Selene, the Greek lunar Goddess), moonstone is a member of the feldspar family, most commonly found in India and Ceylon. It is said to arouse the tender passions of lovers and to give them the power to read the future. When placed in orchards or fields, it was believed to produce a more abundant crop. Its medicinal uses were as protection against epilepsy and insanity. Besides its soft beauty, moonstone continues to be valued for its ability to bring good luck to those who possess it.