A Jeweller’s Guide to Moonstone: Identification Tips and Jewellery Making Advice
Welcome to the enchanting world of moonstone, a gem prized for its ethereal glow and mysterious allure. With its soft, shimmering sheen, moonstone has captivated jewellers and gemstone lovers for centuries. Whether you’re designing a delicate ring or a statement pendant, moonstone’s unique play of light makes it a stunning choice. Let’s explore the key facts every jeweller should know about this mesmerising gem!
Basic Identification Information
Name & Synonyms:
Moonstone; also referred to as "adularia" in historical texts.
Species:
Feldspar
Colour Range:
White, cream, peach, grey, brown, yellow, blue, and rainbow varieties.
Usually with an optical phenomenon known as adularescence, giving this gemstone it's distinctive shimmering look.
Refractive Index:
1.518–1.524
Birefringence:
0.005–0.008
Optical Sign:
Biaxial (+) or (-) depending on composition.
Specific Gravity:
2.56–2.60
Fluorescence:
Often none, but some specimens may exhibit weak yellow, green, or blue fluorescence under UV light.
Lustre:
Vitreous to pearly
Clarity:
None as this gemstone isn't transparent. It ranges in clarity from semitransparent to opaque.
The fine layered internal structures that creates the signature adularescence prevents it being transparent.
Gems Often Mistaken for Moonstone:
Labradorite, opalite (glass), and chalcedony.
Mohs Hardness:
6–6.5
Wearability:
Fair; requires careful handling to avoid scratches and fractures.
Birthstone:
June (alternative birthstone alongside pearl and alexandrite)
Common Treatments
Moonstone is generally untreated. However, some lower-quality stones may be coated or impregnated with resin to enhance durability.
Durability Considerations
With a hardness of 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale, moonstone is softer than many other popular gems (and common household dust for that matter). It is prone to scratching and cleavage fractures if knocked or dropped.
Extra caution is needed when setting or wearing moonstone jewellery, especially in rings.
Jeweller's Setting Tips
When setting moonstone in jewellery, protective settings like bezels offer excellent safeguarding against knocks and scratches, making them an ideal choice for everyday wear.
While prong settings can showcase moonstone beautifully, they should be used with care, as excessive pressure during setting or wear can cause chipping.
Due to moonstone’s sensitivity to sudden temperature changes, don’t try to cast in place with moonstone. It’s also best to complete any soldering prior to setting it, but if you’ve got to solder while it’s set use techniques that will minimize heat transferring into the stone.
When polishing, jewellers should opt for gentle abrasives to preserve the stone’s delicate surface and maintain its signature shimmer.
Care Instructions
Cleaning:
Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, which can cause internal fractures.
Storage:
Keep moonstone jewellery separate from harder gemstones like sapphire or quartz to prevent scratches.
Daily Wear:
Remove moonstone rings before physical activities like sports or gardening.
Aesthetic & Design Insights
Moonstone’s delicate shimmer pairs beautifully with both warm and cool metals, making it a versatile choice for jewellery. Yellow and rose gold enhance its warm, dreamy glow, while white gold and silver create a contemporary, ethereal aesthetic.
Complementing moonstone with diamonds, aquamarine, or blue topaz further enhances its natural radiance, making it ideal for bohemian, vintage, and celestial-themed designs.
Market & Ethical Notes
Moonstone is mined in Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, Madagascar, and Tanzania. High-quality blue moonstone from Sri Lanka is particularly valued.
Moonstone mining is generally small-scale, but ethical sourcing can be a challenge. When possible, work with suppliers who provide transparency regarding their sourcing practices.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Moonstone has long been associated with femininity, intuition, and emotional balance. Ancient Romans believed it was solidified moonlight, while Hindu tradition connects it to the divine feminine and lunar energy. Across many cultures, it is considered a stone of new beginnings, inner growth, and emotional harmony.
Etymology
The name "moonstone" comes from its moon-like glow, a phenomenon known as adularescence. This term originates from Mount Adular in Switzerland, a historic source of high-quality moonstone.