Questions about Moonstone

[cookies]

I am thinking about getting a moonstone (for pendant), and would like to learn more about it, especially those with blue sheen. So far I have only seen pictures of them, mostly with black background. I was wondering, does the blue sheen only appear under certain lighting? What does it look like under natural daylight, and under direct or indirect sunlight? I also notice they are often described as "colorless".. what exactly does that mean? Under what circumstance will it appear as a colorless gem (if possible)?

I am afraid I don't know enough to ask the right questions, so please excuse me if my questions are too dumb..

 

[m76steve]

yo cookie-wil try 2 answer your questions-stones usually shown on black to show color better----the color usually shows best under daylight or flourescent lighting----colorless usually means clear/transparent, less milky----stones seem colorless under difused/indirect lights----the stones dont make good rings/bracelets because they are soft & easily scratched----hopes this helps-my 2 cnts-steve--these are in pendent....

 

[cookies]

Thank you Steve! Your reply is very helpful.

 

[Pandora II]

You want a body colour as clean, transparent and colourless as possible - no orange or brown tint.
The blue sheen should look fabulous under direct sunlight and good under other lighting.
They usually look better on a black background as it accentuates - just like white opals look better against a dark background.
I love moonstones.

 

[chrono]

No question is ever dumb here except the question not asked. The blue sheen should be visible at all times, although sometimes it might look stronger than at other times depending on the angle viewed. Colourless refers to the body colour (under the blue sheen). One usually aims for a colourless body colour, and one that is clean and as transparent as possible. Of course, it’s not completely transparent but more transclucent. A black background helps the blue sheen stand out because it makes the body colour appear invisible.

 

[Largosmom]

I have some nice moonstones. They look like drops of water with billowing blue floating under the surface. As others have said, a clear body with flash of color, blue or rainbow, depending on the variety are the most desired.

Laura

 

[cookies]

Steve, Pandora, Chrono and Laura -- thank you all for answering my questions! I have been eye-ing a moonstone from Palagems . I just asked them to send me a few more pictures (under direct sunlight, indirect sunlight, and under natural daylight). I also asked them how clean and transparent the moonstone is.

Since this particular moonstone is not cheap, shall I also ask to see a reputable lab certificate (before buying it through my jeweler), even though they say the stone is in the colorless variety (with blue sheen) and has no treatment? I don't know if moonstones are usually treated or not.

 

[Pandora II]

If it's from Pala then I wouldn't ask for a report, they are a fantastic company and have wonderful stones - plus it's not worth spending the $$$ for one for a moonstone anyway IMHO.

As far as I know moonstones aren't treated. I visited a mine a few years ago and watched the whole process from the gravel coming out of the mine, the washing (had a go myself) to watching the rough cut into a finished stone - no treatments went on at all. I bought quite a few from them and made them take the whole tray outside into the sun so I could choose the bluest ones!

 

[Largosmom]

Pandora that sure sounds like fun!

 

[VapidLapid]

That sure does sound fun! Pandora, I want to travel to gravel with you!!

 

[chrono]

I don’t believe I am aware of moonstone treatments (other than coating) but there are definitely synthetic, coated and simulants that looks like a moonstone. Most are not expensive enough to warrant a memo but there are always the more affordable AIGS and AGL briefs.

 

[Pandora II]

Here are some photos:

The mine:
You can see a slight orange glow about the square of mud at the bottom of the mine - that is where it goes underground and the glow is from the torches the miners are using.

 

[Pandora II]

Miners:

 

[Pandora II]

...

 

[Pandora II]

The gravel that comes up from the mine:

 

[Pandora II]

Washing the gravel...

 

[Pandora II]

Mud washed off:

 

[Pandora II]

Washed and ready for the cutters:

 

[Pandora II]

Rough moonstone...

 

[Pandora II]

Cutting house:

 

[Pandora II]

more cutters...

 

[Pandora II]

...

 

[Pandora II]

stones on the dop sticks...

 

[Pandora II]

Finished stones being set - it was pretty dark in here but check out the blue!

 

[Pandora II]

Hope these were interesting Cookie!

Must credit DH with the photos - even if he was a meanie and wouldn't let me go down the mine... the miners thought I was nuts but were quite willing to let me! However I was 3 months pregnant so I just made do with washing baskets of the gravel - always wanted to have a go. I think they were stunned that I thought it was fun, but were very happy to take a break, sit and laugh at me - it's not as easy as it looks!

And no, I am not posting the photos of me!

 

[ooo~Shiney!]

WOW, now THAT'S interesting!!!
I love the pictures
Please educate me, where was that?

 

[Pandora II]

Southern Sri Lanka

 

[chrono]

Pandora,
Thanks for the pictures. Always appreciate seeing how things are mined out of the ground.

 

[cookies]

This is very interesting!

 

[Pandora II]

Glad you enjoyed them.

I bought 5 stones from them - can't remember the weights offhand but they were good sized stones.

One was a tear-drop shape that I bought for my now 18 month-old daughter. Two matched ovals that I may or may not keep and two beautiful matched rounds that I'd eventually like to set as earrings - I want to set them in white gold with a halo of tapered baguette blue sapphires. I think that will really enhance the blue in the moonstone. All 5 stones are very clean, colourless and transparent.

They had some incredible HUGE stones.

I wish I'd bought more now but I didn't want to get too carried away at the time. Anyway I'm sure I'll be back there in the not too distant future. It was a great trip and I really recommend Sri Lanka as a great place for a holiday.