Moonstone
Buyer’s Guide

Colour

Colour is a primary value factor for moonstone. The most desirable stones display a clear, colourless, peach or grey base with strong adularescence. High-quality moonstones generally show:

• Clear or lightly tinted base colour
• Strong, floating shimmer across the stone
• Minimal cloudiness or inclusions
• Even adularescence throughout

Poorly coloured stones with weak shimmer or uneven tones are less valuable, while premium moonstones show bright, smooth internal light effects.

Clarity

Moonstone typically contains minor inclusions or tiny fissures, but the best stones are:

• Free from visible cracks or significant inclusions
• Transparent or translucent with strong shimmer
• Smooth surfaces without scratches

Stones with large internal fractures may lose durability and visual appeal.

Cut

Cut is essential for showcasing adularescence. Well-cut moonstones maximise the internal glow and balance the stone’s natural shape. Key considerations include:

• Smooth, curved surfaces to display shimmer
• Symmetry and proportion appropriate to the cabochon or faceted style
• Polished finish enhancing ethereal light

Moonstones are most often cut as cabochons to display their signature sheen, though faceted cuts exist for collectors and designers.

Carat Weight

Moonstones are generally available in a wide range of sizes. While larger stones are rarer, value is primarily driven by colour, clarity, and shimmer rather than size alone. When comparing stones:

• A smaller moonstone with exceptional adularescence may be more valuable than a larger, duller one
• Even shimmer and transparency are key considerations for all sizes