Moonstone Buying Guide


Discover expert moonstone buying tips, evaluation criteria, and pricing insights. Learn about colors, clarity, cuts, and settings for perfect moonstone jewelry purchases.

6 Minute Read

By Addison Rice, updated on

Imagine holding a gemstone that captures the very essence of moonlight itself, its surface dancing with an otherworldly blue glow that shifts and shimmers as you turn it in your hand. This magical phenomenon, known as adularescence, transforms moonstone from a simple feldspar mineral into one of the most enchanting gemstones in the world. Ancient civilizations revered moonstones as sacred stones, believing them to hold lunar power and bring good fortune to their wearers.

Today, moonstone buying presents an exciting opportunity for collectors and newcomers alike. Unlike precious stones that command astronomical prices, moonstones offer exceptional beauty at accessible price points, making them perfect for anyone seeking mesmerizing natural artistry. However, this accessibility brings challenges, as the moonstone market includes everything from museum-quality specimens to cleverly disguised imitations that can fool experienced buyers.

The art of moonstone buying extends beyond choosing a pretty stone. Each moonstone tells a geological story, formed through millions of years of mineral layering that creates the optical phenomenon we admire. Understanding formation processes explains why some moonstones display coveted blue flashes while others exhibit white, yellow, or rainbow effects, knowledge that becomes your most powerful marketplace tool.

This comprehensive guide will teach you to:


Addison Rice

A geologist, environmental engineer and Caltech graduate, Addison’s interest in the mesmerizing and beautiful results of earth’s geological processes began in her elementary school’s environmental club. When she isn’t writing about gems and minerals, Addison spends winters studying ancient climates in Iceland and summers hiking the Colorado Rockies.

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