Six-pointed star-shaped peach moonstone cabochons — 10 mm diameter — with soft peach-orange adularescence.
Item details
| Mineral |
Peach Moonstone (feldspar, var. adularia; mix of orthoclase and albite) |
| Dimensions |
10 mm diameter point to point; approx. 3-4 mm thickness |
| Shape and back |
Six-pointed star (faceted star shape), flat back |
| Finish |
Polished faceted faces; adularescence visible on top face |
| Hardness |
6-6.5 Mohs — we recommend bezel setting to protect the star points; not suitable for heavy daily wear rings |
| Origin |
India |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Item type |
Selected stock; adularescence varies between units |
About these specific pieces
The star shape is not a simple domed cabochon: the six faceted faces create a different visual effect when the stone moves under light — instead of a central flash that gently shifts (as in a classic oval cabochon), the shimmer appears and disappears in sectors defined by the star's edges. The peach adularescence adds a warm tone that differentiates these pieces from more conventional white moonstone.
The star points are delicate due to their geometry — they are the thinnest and most exposed part of the piece.
How moonstone adularescence forms
Moonstone is a variety of potassium feldspar (adularia, a low-grade variety of orthoclase) that contains intergrowths of alternating layers of orthoclase and albite on a nanometer scale.
Suitable for which settings
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Bezel setting (925 silver or other precious metals) — for a 10 mm star, the ideal bezel is 0.8 mm wire that goes up along the points or a custom-cut star-shaped sheet bezel.
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Stud earrings with silver setting — the 10 mm format is ideal for studs.
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Wire wrap — the star shape complicates conventional wire wrap, but a central wrap with wire crossing the flat face (without covering the points) can work well for pendants.
Moonstone in tradition
Moonstone has been used as a gem since ancient times in the Mediterranean and India, where its shimmer was interpreted as moonlight trapped in the rock. The Romans called it selenites, from Selene (goddess of the moon), and it was used in amulets and votive jewelry.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice or a substitute for professional care.
How to recognize genuine moonstone
The adularescence of genuine moonstone moves: when the stone is tilted, the shimmer shifts like a soft flame. In the star shape, this movement appears in sectors. Glass with surface shimmer has a static shine that does not change position when the piece is tilted. A hardness of 6-6.5 Mohs means that a copper coin (3 Mohs) will not scratch it, but quartz (7 Mohs) will.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is peach moonstone treated?
Untreated. The peach tone and adularescence are natural. The coloration is produced by traces of iron and by the internal intergrown layer structure of the feldspar. Statement based on observation; no formal gemological certification.
Why is the adularescence different in each piece?
The intensity and color of the shimmer depend on the thickness and regularity of the internal orthoclase and albite layers, which vary from crystal to crystal even within the same deposit. Pieces with finer and more regular layers show a more bluish shimmer; those with thicker and more irregular layers tend towards peach or milky white. This variation is intrinsic to the mineral.
Is the star shape compatible with standard settings?
Not compatible with standard round or oval settings. Requires a custom bezel or a star-shaped chaton setting. For studs, earring bases with a 10 mm star-shaped chaton are available from jewelry findings suppliers.
See more moonstone in our cabochon collection. More about feldspars in mineral properties.
