Gem Focus October 2026: Moonstone
*Gem Focus & Market Pulse (Free Subscriber)Moonstone is a jewelry industry classic. Traditionally, the name “moonstone” refers to the variety of orthoclase-albite feldspar with adularescence. Its bodycolor can also be white, light green, yellow to brown, or gray, and adularescence colors can be gray or white.
“Rainbow moonstone” is also available in the market, but it is not an orthoclase-albite feldspar; it is, in fact, a colorless and transparent labradorite feldspar displaying strong labradorescence. Because of this, some gemologists argue the name, but it is widely accepted and used in the trade. The material is highly desirable.
Both kinds can also display chatoyancy (cat’s eye gems) or asterism (star gems).
A 15.13-carat rainbow moonstone from Omi Privé.
1. The most valuable type of classic moonstone in the market is the material with a transparent bodycolor with a blue sheen that billows across the stone. Stones with the strongest adularescence will be priced above the rest.
2. Rainbow moonstone is priced higher than the blue sheen moonstone material, though availability on the market has increased so prices have settled a bit.
3. Cabochon is by far the most popular cut for moonstone as it best shows the billowing effect of the phenomena, but there is a growing trend in the marketplace of faceted moonstone, which can be harder to set and has a premium on price. There are also carved goods on the market.
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Enjoy more about moonstone and moonstone jewelry with these links.
Market Trends: Rainbow Moonstone (GemGuide, subscription required)
Moonstone’s Timeless Allure Shines in Chanel, Pomellato and Tiffany & Co. Collections (South China Morning Post)
Faceted Moonstones Are My New Obsession (JCK)