The Magic of Rainbow Moonstone - How to Distinguish High vs Lower Grades
Rainbow moonstone, with its enchanting play of colours and captivating glow, is a gemstone that has won the hearts of many gem enthusiasts and jewellery makers. As one of Australia's trusted gemstone cabochons supplier, we’re proud to offer a range of rainbow moonstone cabochons to suit every budget!
In this article, we’ll dive into some facts about rainbow moonstone and what makes them so special, including the intriguing phenomenon of schorl tourmaline inclusions. We will also share some tips on how to easily tell the difference between high-grade and low-grade rainbow moonstone cabochons.
What is Rainbow Moonstone?
Rainbow moonstone is a type of labradorite, a feldspar mineral known for its remarkable adularescence—an optical phenomenon where light appears to float across the surface of the stone, creating a rainbow-like sheen. This mesmerising effect is what gives rainbow moonstone its name and makes it a favourite among gemstone lovers.
Rainbow Moonstone with Schorl Tourmaline Inclusions
One of the rare and fascinating types of rainbow moonstone is that which contains schorl tourmaline inclusions. Schorl, a black tourmaline, forms needle-like or thread-like inclusions within the moonstone, adding a striking contrast to the stone’s luminous appearance. These inclusions are formed during the stone’s crystallisation process when tourmaline minerals are encapsulated within the growing moonstone. The combination of the dark schorl and the rainbow sheen of the moonstone creates a unique and desirable gemstone that is highly sought after by collectors and designers alike.
At Coffee + Gems, we offer a selection of rainbow moonstone cabochons with these fascinating inclusions, perfect for creating one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces.
Different Grades of Rainbow Moonstone
Like many gemstones, rainbow moonstone comes in various grades, ranging from lower-grade commercial stones to the finest high-grade specimens. Knowing these differences is essential when selecting the best stone for your needs, whether you’re a jeweller or a collector.
How to Visually Identify High-Grade vs. Low-Grade Rainbow Moonstone
When choosing a rainbow moonstone cabochon, it’s important to be able to tell the difference between high-grade and low-grade stones. Here’s a quick guide:
Clarity and Transparency
High-grade rainbow moonstone cabochons are generally clear to semi-transparent, allowing the adularescence to shine through beautifully. They have minimal visible inclusions, giving them a clean and bright appearance.
Low-grade stones are often more opaque and the adularescence may be faint or uneven in these stones.
Adularescence (Colour Play)
High-grade rainbow moonstones display a strong and vibrant adularescence, with a full spectrum of colours—blues, greens, and occasionally, oranges and reds—that move across the stone as it is turned. By contrast, low-grade stones may have weak or limited colour play, often only showing a faint blue sheen, if any.
Cut and Shape
High-grade rainbow moonstone cabochons are expertly cut to maximise the adularescence, typically with a smooth, well-proportioned dome. Lower grade rainbow moonstone might have uneven cuts, leading to poor light reflection and often a less appealing appearance.
Size and Uniformity
Consistent size and uniformity in shape are hallmarks of high-grade rainbow moonstone cabochons, making them ideal for setting in fine jewellery. By contrast, Low-grade stones might vary widely in size and shape, which can make them less suitable for high-quality designs.
A range of Rainbow Moonstone Cabochons to Suit Every Taste and Budget
At Coffee + Gems, we offer a diverse range of rainbow moonstone cabochons to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re seeking a lower-grade rainbow moonstone for a budget-friendly jewellery collection or you’re a collector looking for a high-grade cabochon to add to your extraordinary collection, we’ve got you covered. Our commitment is to provide you with the best options available in Australia, ensuring that each stone meets our strict quality standards. No matter what you’re looking for, we have the perfect rainbow moonstone cabochon for your needs.
Whether you’re a jeweller looking to create a stunning piece of jewellery or a collector seeking a unique addition to your collection, we’re committed to offering top quality gemstones and understand that everyone's budget is different. You can be assured that we carefully select each stone to ensure it meets our strict quality standards, providing you with the best options available in the market.
