Moonstone is a stunning and mesmerizing gemstone that belongs to the feldspar group of minerals. The name "Moonstone" is derived from its ethereal, moon-like glow that resembles the soft and subtle light of the moon. This iridescence, also known as adularescence, is a unique optical effect that makes the gemstone truly mesmerizing.
Moonstone is a relatively soft gemstone, with a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, which means it requires gentle handling and care. It is found in a wide range of colors, including white, grey, brown, green, pink, and peach, with a transparent to translucent appearance. Moonstone is well known for its shimmering and opalescent adularescence effect, which appears as a soft, milky glow on its surface, caused by light interference within its structure.
Moonstone has a vitreous to pearly luster, which adds to its magical and mystical appeal. The size of a moonstone varies depending on the mining location and quality of the gemstone. Moonstones with good quality and larger sizes are more valuable and sought after by gem collectors and enthusiasts.
Moonstone is part of the mineral family of Feldspars. It consists of sodium, potassium, aluminum, and silicate. Besides that, the moonstone has the adularescence effect that I described above. It has a particular light that shines on the stone.
Color: Colorless, yellow, gray, green, pink, orange, brown, red
Crystal structure: Monoclinic
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent to opaque
Refractive index: 1.518-1.525
Density: 2.61
Cleavage: Perfect and easy in 2 directions
Optical phenomenon: Adularescence
Moonstones come in a variety of colors The most common colors are blue, gray, white, and, pink. The clarity of the gemstone ranges from transparent to translucent. The perfect moonstone has a blue-like color and perfect clarity. These moonstones are the rarest and valuable ones.
Cabochons are by far the most popular moonstone cuts. With such smooth, round, and polished forms, cabochons really allow moonstone colors to shine. Most moonstones are fashioned into oval cabochons. However, other varieties like tapered sugarloaf – i.e. square and angular cabochons – are sold as well.
You should take a closer look at faceted gem-quality moonstone stones, too! A clever faceted cut can hide moonstone inclusions and bring out a brilliant sparkle.
If you’re into beads and intricate jewelry carvings like cameos, moonstones are a sure bet with their lovely shimmer!
Earlier, we mentioned that red moonstones are the result of certain inclusions. So, what exactly are inclusions and how do they tie into clarity?
Gemstones with visible inclusions have tiny pockets of gas, dust, liquid, minerals, and other particles that came about during formation.
Moonstone stones, in particular, are well known for their inclusions. In fact, how can you tell if a moonstone is real? All you have to do is keep an eye out for centipede inclusions. True to their namesake, centipede inclusions are thin intersecting lines that resemble tiny creatures with legs.
Larger and heavier moonstones will cost more.