Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon is based upon several factors, a lot of it mythology related.

Greek Tale :: The Infamous Selene & Endymion Myth
Scientific Benefit :: The Solar System
Black & White :: The Traditional Good Versus Evil
Pretty Stones :: The Various Gemstones

Disclaimers
      Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon and Codename: Sailor V is © copyrighted 1992 Takeuchi Naoko. Current English editions © copyrighted Takeuchi Naoko, translated by Kodansha Comics. Something Beautiful © copyrighted 2009 to present Wildnature, by a fan for the fans.