Moonstone teardrop cabochon with bluish adularescence ("moon flash") that moves across the surface as the angle of light changes. Size between 10 and 12 mm, thickness 4-5 mm, flat base. The teardrop shape concentrates the adularescence flash at the central point and directs it towards the tapered end, creating a very different reading from the classic oval. Selected in a wholesale lapidary market.
Piece Details
| Mineral |
Moonstone (orthoclase feldspar / adularia) |
| Dimensions |
10-12 mm long, freeform teardrop · 4-5 mm thick · ±0.5 mm due to hand carving |
| Shape and Back |
Freeform teardrop, flat back |
| Finish |
Mirror polish |
| Hardness |
6-6.5 Mohs — we recommend closed bezel setting |
| Origin |
India |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Piece Type |
Available in various formats within the lot |
This specific piece
The teardrop shape is the most sought-after in moonstone for pendants: the tapered end "guides" the eye towards the tip of the pendant, and the adularescence flash moves between the ends as the piece is rotated. In this lot, the adularescence is high-grade — the bluish flash covers between 70% and 90% of the visible surface — and the mineral's background is translucent white, which maximizes optical contrast.
The lapidary decision was to maintain a high dome to amplify the adularescence effect: a lower dome would concentrate the flash in one spot but reduce the amplitude of movement. The flat base allows for working with classic bezels or pendant bezels with integrated bails.
How adularescence forms
Adularescence is a light scattering phenomenon produced by alternating layers of orthoclase and albite (two feldspars of slightly different composition) that form during the slow cooling of igneous rock. Light penetrates these lamellae, scatters, and produces a floating glow that appears to be "below" the surface, not on it.
For which setting it works
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Pendant with teardrop bezel in 925 silver — the standard format. A 1-1.5 mm high bezel retains the stone and leaves the entire adularescence surface visible.
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Asymmetrical earrings or matching silver pairs — the teardrop gives the earrings an elegant directionality.
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Wire wrap — the teardrop silhouette is especially popular in wire wrap
Moonstone in lapidary tradition
Used in jewelry since the Hellenistic period (3rd-1st centuries BC), moonstone was called selenites in ancient Rome — from the Greek Selene, goddess of the moon — because lapidaries believed that the inner flash grew and waned with the lunar rhythm.
In crystal tradition, moonstone is associated with feminine intuition, natural cycles, and emotional clarity. It is considered a stone of new beginnings. The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice.
How to recognize genuine moonstone
Genuine moonstone shows a flash that appears to be inside the stone, not on the surface. When moving the stone under a pinpoint light source, the flash shifts fluidly. Imitations made of opaline glass have a uniform and fixed glow, without movement. Under magnification, authentic moonstone may show internal parallel cleavage fractures ("sun fingerprints" in gemology); imitations are homogeneous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is adularescence a treatment or is it natural?
It is 100% natural. It is produced by the internal microstructure of the mineral — alternating layers of two types of feldspar — without any artificial intervention. There are no coatings, irradiation, or treatments of any kind.
Is it durable enough for a ring?
With 6-6.5 Mohs and cleavage in two directions, moonstone is vulnerable to side impacts. We recommend a closed bezel and reserving it for occasional wear rings, not daily. There are no restrictions for pendants and earrings.
Does it have any treatment?
No detectable treatment. Statement based on lapidary observation; the piece does not include formal gemological certification.
See also: complete cabochon collection.
