What Is Moonstone Gemstone | Moonstone Stone – GIA

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Moonstone

A ghostly sheen moves under the surface of this feldspar, like moonlight glowing in water.

Moonstone

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Moonstone Quality Factors

January 6, 2026

Learn about the factors that make moonstone so desirable.

Moonstone Care and Cleaning Guide

January 6, 2026

Learn about moonstone's durability and how to care for your moonstone jewelry.

Moonstone History and Lore

January 6, 2026

According to Hindu mythology, moonstone is made of solidified moonbeams.

Moonstone Description

January 6, 2026

To be called moonstone, a mineral’s actual identity is not as important as the beauty of its adularescence.

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Centipedes in a Moonstone. The most-typical moonstone inclusions are stress cracks that gemologists call centipedes. — The most-typical moonstone inclusions are stress cracks that gemologists call centipedes.

Moonstone in a Wide Range of Sizes and Carat Weights. Large fine moonstone is very rare, making it relatively valuable. — Large fine moonstone is very rare, making it relatively valuable.

Rose Cut Moonstone. This unusual moonstone suite employs the rose cut, a style most often seen in antique diamond jewelry. - Courtesy Akiva Gill Co. — This unusual moonstone suite employs the rose cut, a style most often seen in antique diamond jewelry. - Courtesy Akiva Gill Co.

Moonstone Pendant. Top-quality moonstones accent this beautiful platinum and diamond pendant. Moonstone has fascinated designers and gem connoisseurs for centuries. - Courtesy David Humphrey — Top-quality moonstones accent this beautiful platinum and diamond pendant. Moonstone has fascinated designers and gem connoisseurs for centuries. - Courtesy David Humphrey

17558.jpg. Moonstone has long been associated with the moon. - © GIA & Tino Hammid, courtesy 23rd St. Shop, Santa Monica — Moonstone has long been associated with the moon. - © GIA & Tino Hammid, courtesy 23rd St. Shop, Santa Monica

Moonstone Ring. While requiring care to avoid damage, moonstone lends an almost magical sheen to jewelry. - Courtesy Richard Krementz Gemstones — While requiring care to avoid damage, moonstone lends an almost magical sheen to jewelry. - Courtesy Richard Krementz Gemstones

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This Month's

Featured Gems

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PERIDOT

Found in lava, meteorites, and deep in the earth’s mantle, yellow-green peridot is the extreme gem.

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FANCY COLOR DIAMOND

Dazzling brilliance. Captivating color. These are the planet’s most valued gems.

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DIAMOND

Diamonds are among nature’s most precious and beautiful creations.

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EMERALD

Emerald is the bluish green to green variety of beryl, a mineral species that includes aquamarine.

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CITRINE

Citrine is the transparent, pale yellow to brownish orange variety of quartz.

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