How to Buy a Genuine Moonstone

Moonstone is essentially never treated — its signature sheen comes from microscopic internal layering within the feldspar (alternating thin layers of albite and orthoclase) that scatters light in a way no coating or chemical process can replicate or improve. A certificate's role here is less about disclosing an enhancement and more about confirming genuine moonstone rather than a glass or plastic imitation designed to mimic the sheen.

Value is driven first by the strength, color, and mobility of the adularescence itself — a vivid, well-defined blue sheen floating across an otherwise colorless or near-colorless body is the most prized combination, while a weaker, more static, or grayish sheen is worth considerably less. Body color and transparency come next, followed by cut: moonstone is almost always fashioned as a cabochon rather than faceted, specifically because a smooth, well-domed, symmetrical cabochon shows off the floating sheen far better than facets would, so cutting quality directly affects how well the stone performs visually.

Moonstone is relatively soft, at roughly 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale, and can be prone to cracking with rough handling, sudden temperature changes, or forceful impact — worth keeping in mind for how you set and wear it, favoring protective settings and gentle care over the kind of daily rough treatment a harder stone like sapphire could tolerate.

For certification specifics, see our Moonstone certification guide, or check current Moonstone prices. General authenticity standards that apply across every gemstone we handle are covered on the site-wide Authenticity & Certification page.