Buying Moonstone: What to look for in quality and authenticity
Moonstone is one of the most coveted, yet also most frequently faked or mislabeled stones. Its desired shimmer (adularescence) is difficult to imitate – but cheaper white quartz, glass, or opaline are often sold as "moonstone." This guide explains what to look for when buying moonstone.
What real moonstone is
Real moonstone is a variety of the feldspar mineral orthoclase or adularia. Adularescence – the characteristic floating, bluish light from within – is caused by light scattering at internal crystal boundaries. Real moonstone is relatively rare and possesses this unique optical property. Mohs hardness: 6–6.5. Main occurrences: Sri Lanka (the highest quality), India, Madagascar.
Moonstone quality grades
Rainbow Moonstone (white labradorite)
What is sold as "Rainbow Moonstone" is actually not moonstone but a white labradorite with a bluish sheen. It is nevertheless beautiful and more affordable. Important: Know the difference when buying.
Ceylon Moonstone (Sri Lanka)
The highest quality moonstone. Almost transparent with an intense blue shimmer. The adularescence "floats" deep within the stone. Rare and accordingly more expensive.
Indian Moonstone
Slightly milkier, less transparent than Ceylon. Often a beige-brown base color. Significantly cheaper, but still real moonstone.
Peach Moonstone
Orange-pink moonstone with a softer shimmer. Very feminine and warm in its effect.
Real moonstone vs. imitations: The most important tests
Adularescence test (the most important)
Real moonstone shows adularescence ONLY when it is moved or when the light source changes. The shimmer "travels" across the stone. If the shimmer is static (always shining in the same spot) – it's not real moonstone. Glass and plastic cannot imitate a traveling shimmer.
Temperature feel
Real moonstone feels cool at room temperature and warms up slowly in the hand. Plastic immediately reaches body temperature. Glass: similarly cool to moonstone, but heavier.
Scratch test
Mohs 6–6.5: Real moonstone is hardly or not at all scratched by a metal knife (Mohs ~5.5). Plastic (Mohs ~2–3) is very easily scratched. This test should only be done with the seller's consent.
Price orientation
A real moonstone cabochon (10×14 mm, good quality) costs €5–€30 depending on quality and origin. For €1, you won't get high-quality real moonstone.
Ask when buying
- Country of origin (Sri Lanka = top quality)
- Treatments (moonstone is rarely treated – good)
- Is it real moonstone or Rainbow Moonstone/Labradorite?
Moonstone jewelry at Corelune Jewellery
Beautiful moonstone in high-quality settings – at Corelune Jewellery you'll find moonstone jewelry that delivers what it promises.
