Moonstone is a captivating and mystical gemstone known for its unique adularescence, a phenomenon where light seems to billow across the surface, creating a glowing effect reminiscent of moonlight. BTW Moonstone is the birthstone for June and is also associated with the 13th wedding anniversary, making it a thoughtful and symbolic gift for those occasions.
Let's study from the scientist point of view, what kind of stone is it.
Moonstone is a member of the feldspar group, which is one of the most abundant mineral groups in the Earth's crust. Feldspars are aluminum silicate minerals that contain varying amounts of potassium, sodium, calcium, and sometimes barium. They are divided into two main subgroups:
- **Plagioclase Feldspars
- **Alkali Feldspars
Moonstone is primarily belongs to the second group, an orthoclase or sometimes a plagioclase feldspar. The orthoclase type is more common and renowned for its adularescence.
Main Physical Properties for moonstone are
- **Hardness**: Moonstone has a Mohs hardness of 6 to 6.5, making it softer than many other gemstones. Would like to remind, that the highest hardness has diamond, 10 points compare to 6 hardness of moonstone, This means it requires careful handling and protection from scratches.
- **Cleavage**: Moonstone has perfect cleavage in two directions, which means it can split along flat planes. This property necessitates careful cutting and setting to avoid damage.
- **Luster**: Moonstones typically have a vitreous to pearly luster, enhancing their visual appeal.
Moonstones, first of all, known for their captivating adularescence, come in various types, each with unique characteristics. Here are more detailed descriptions of the primary types of moonstone. First, Choose the variety attracts you.
1. Adularia Moonstone
Typically composed of orthoclase feldspar. Usually colorless to white but can also be gray.
Exhibits a blue to white sheen that appears to move across the stone’s surface.
Predominantly found in Sri Lanka, with notable deposits in India, Myanmar, and Brazil.
Known for its high clarity and strong adularescence. Often used in fine jewelry. BTW blue and white sheen cost different prices. We’ll talk about it later.
### 2. Rainbow Moonstone
Technically a variety of labradorite feldspar, not true moonstone. Yes, they like siblings, belong to the one mineralogy family - feldspar group. But we can't call Labradorite as a type of moonstone. Its a very common mistake. You can recognise this stone by displaying a multicolored sheen, giving it a "rainbow" effect. Labrodarite has usually black, grey or greenish main color with a play of colors, including blue, green, yellow, and orange. Often has black inclusions or fractures, giving it a unique appearance. Labradorite looks amazing and used for jewelry very often.
The most famous deposits are Finland and Madagascar
### 3.
Peach Moonstone is A type of orthoclase feldspar. As you could gas from its name this kind of moonstone has Soft peach color or orange hue and Exhibits a subtle sheen, often with a warm, glowing effect. Peach moonstone Commonly sourced from India. This kind of moonstone is also Popular in bohemian and contemporary jewelry designs.
### 4. Gray Moonstone
- **Composition**: Typically orthoclase feldspar.
- **Color**: Shades of gray, ranging from light to dark.
- **Adularescence**: Usually a white to bluish sheen.
- **Origin**: Found in various locations, including India and Madagascar.
- **Characteristics**: Offers a more subdued and mysterious look compared to other moonstones. Favored in modern and minimalist jewelry styles.
### 5. White and blue Moonstone
Both belongs to orthoclase feldspar. Both has colorless or white body color. The difference is the sheen, one demonstrates white sheen and second blue sheen. These kinds of moonstone Sourced from Sri Lanka, India, and Myanmar.
High-quality white blue moonstones are rare and highly valued. Used in high-end and luxury jewelry.
BTW compare these to types of high-end moonstone. The moonstone with white sheen in the top quality costs more expensive the moonstone with blue hue, for commercial quality no difference in price.
### 6. And the last one, the most rare kind of moonstone - Cat’s Eye Moonstone
In this case moonstone has two phenomenas in a one stone - adularecence and also Displays a unique cat’s eye effect, known as chatoyancy, where a single line of light moves across the surface.The cat’s eye effect is caused by parallel inclusions or needle-like structures within the stone. Highly prized for its distinctive appearance
So, Adularescence and moonstone body color are the most critical factors. But sent forget about the Cut and Clarity.
Eye-clean stones are preferred, but some inclusions are acceptable, especially in rainbow and cat’s eye moonstones, where they add to the character.
Talking about the cutting, before last few years Cabochon cuts were the most common to best display adularescence. Novadays, faceted cuts are came to the gem market, but can be used for stones with high clarity and strong adularescence. Recently, we added few faceted moonstones to our website - truegems.store They look very different compare to cabochon, don't forget to check them.
By understanding these types and their characteristics, you can better appreciate the variety and beauty of moonstones, helping you select the perfect stone for your jewelry or collection. However, one puzzle was missed, the price range.
The price of moonstone, as any other stone, can vary significantly depending on factors such as quality, size, color, and overall appearance. Typically, moonstone prices range as follows:
- **Commercial quality**: $5 to $30 per carat
- **Fine quality**: $50 to $100 per carat
- **Exceptional quality**: $200 to $500 per carat or more, both cabochons and faceted moonstone can be charged this price a carat.
Higher prices are associated with stones that exhibit strong adularescence (the glowing light effect), clear transparency, and minimal inclusions. The origin of the moonstone, such as those from Sri Lanka or India, usually less impact its price. For high-value purchases, consider obtaining a certification from a recognized gemological laboratory to verify authenticity and quality.
Moonstone has been used in jewelry for centuries, admired by many cultures for its beauty and mystical properties. This historical significance always adds to its allure and charm. Also, compared to many other gemstones, moonstone can be relatively affordable, its a chance to have fine jewelry without a hefty price tag. And the offer on the gem market is very wide. I don't hesitate you’ll find the moonstone for your collection or jewelry and will add a touch of elegance to your wardrobe very soon. However, in case you have any questions I have open availability for free consultations. You'll find a link in the description box to book a dedicated appointment slot or you can send all your questions to my Whatsapp. During our consultation, I'm happy to answer any and all questions you may have about gemstones.
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