Genuine Moonstone Page


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Gem Quality Feldspar Moonstone is a gem from the large group of minerals called feldspars, they are the most abundant minerals in the earth's crust. All are aluminum silicates containing calcium, potassium or sodium. The potassium members include microcline and orthoclase. The rest of the feldspars form the plagioclase group. They are classified according to the amount of calcium and sodium present. The six minerals in the plagioclase group are albite, anorthite, andesine, bytownite, labradorite, and oligoclase. Blue moonstone is the most prized of the microcline gems. The genuine moonstone ring set has a fine soft blue color sheen caused by tiny crystals of albite. The feldspars have a hardness of 6 to 6 1/2 which is relatively low for a gem. (Cut gems must be worn with some care, this ring is from 1895 and has had excellent care),.

Moonstone is a microcline gem and the blue or white sheen is caused by the presence of tiny crystals of albite arranged in layers within the microcline. It may be completely transparent and the sheen can be silvery white or a soft distinct blue. The sheen resembles a cloud of light that appears within the gem when viewed at the correct angle to the eye.

Moonstones tend to be translucent to nearly opaque. Some moonstones are found in the color shades of beige, brown, gray, white, green, pink or yellow. Most of these are cut as high domed cabochons and the sheen is concentrated at the top in a bright spot that often extends across the stone as a distinct eye, these are called cats-eye moonstone. Others may have a second ray at right angles to the first and forming a cross. The large moonstone on the left has a bastard cloud of white centered on the top of the dome. Below you can see the effect of the colors on the gems as they are semi-transparent, but notice the distinct sheen of light in the center one and the much lighter sheen on the left one. These clouds of light are there but the camera will not always catch them on some shots.

This picture has been taken on a plain white background, none of the pictures on this page has been enhanced or altered and only the lighting has been changed! If you look at the large cabochon on the left, notice the bastard cloud of white light. The center stone is a white moonstone and there is a distinct sheen in the center of the stone. The stone on the right is the same as the center stone in the picture above. The only difference is the background color. The color of this stone is a off white.

	This picture was taken next to a window on a cloudy day. The most important feldspar gems tend to be translucent to nearly opaque and they show some interesting optical effects. Moonstone in Jewelry. Most of the moon stone jewelry sets of today are used in either a plated base metal or a silver content setting. The better or more prized moonstone sets are reserved for fine jewelry, or for the collectors of gem quality material.
	Picture taken in a normal room lighting. In pre 1950s most fine moonstone was used in gold or silver and were mostly hand cut and polished. Look for high domed cabochons with a fine display of the white or blue sheen. They were often cut in a round 1/2 cabochon as in the ring at the top of this page. The first step in trying to identify moonstone is to first learn the properties of the stone.
	Picture taken in a room with no light source other than a room light with no window or diffused light. Moonstone Properties Hardness; is 6 to 6 1/2 on mohs scale. Specific Gravity; 2.5 to 2.6 Optical; Translucent to nearly opaque with a sheen called adularescence that resembles a cloud of light with in the stone when held and viewed at the correct angle to the eye. Cool to touch and has a waxy luster or feels slick.

We are always looking for the best deal or want something to be what we would like it to be even though it may not! High quality genuine sets of moonstone were rarely used in costume and most mass market grade of jewelry. The quality of the blue moonstone in the ring at the top of this page is scarce and you have to pay the premium or a fair market price for them when you are able to find them.

The majority of the sets today are being treated to enhance the color. There are also the man made synthetic sets and the absolute fakes. The rhinestone jewelry business has certainly influenced the use of both the genuine and simulated moonstone but it is rare to find that piece of Hobé from the 1940s that used the genuine moonstone in their costume or high fashion jewelry of the stars. One thing we should remember is whatever experience, education or certificates one has, a set can not be indentified from a picture or description. Even some of the experts are fooled by the gems of today when they have them in their hands with out the equipment to test them. If you are still in doubt take it to a certified gemologist to have it verified as a genuine natural set that has not been treated or altered in anyway.

Genuine Moonstone Ring
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