1.76 Ct. White Cabochon Moonstone from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This exceptional white moonstone is a rare example of high quality material in both size and color, a combination that is seldom encountered in the market. We present a translucent round cabochon weighing 1.76 carats, with precise dimensions of 8.62 x 8.54 x 3.83 millimeters. For moonstone collectors and discerning buyers, size matters because the optical phenomenon known as adularescence is best appreciated on a larger surface. This specimen exhibits a soft, evenly distributed sheen that is accentuated by its near colorless body, allowing the internal adularescent glow to read clearly across the dome. At The Natural Gemstone Company we prioritize stones that show an articulate interplay of light, and this moonstone’s size and translucency place it in the upper tier of fine white moonstones.

From a gemological perspective, this moonstone is interesting and valuable for several reasons. It is a member of the feldspar group and derives its characteristic shimmer from submicroscopic lamellar intergrowths of orthoclase and albite. When light scatters across these layers, the resulting adularescence appears as a bluish white or silvery sheen that can shift with movement and viewing angle. The cabochon cut is the traditional and optimal shape for maximizing this phenomenon, and the round profile here was chosen to center and evenly distribute the sheen. The polish is excellent, which enhances visual clarity by minimizing surface interference and allowing the adularescence to appear clean and defined. The near colorless body color is particularly prized because it provides a neutral canvas for the sheen, in contrast to warmer or more opaque stones where the effect can be muted.

Clarity and internal characteristics have been evaluated at eye level and described as very very slightly included. For moonstone, typical inclusions include fine growth lines, tiny fluid inclusions, and minor cleavage-related features. The term very very slightly included, as applied here, means that the stone is remarkably clean to the unaided eye, with only minimal internal features that do not distract from the overall appearance or the adularescent effect. These subtle internal structures are intrinsic to natural moonstone and can even contribute to the stone’s personality without diminishing its value. Importantly, this moonstone is untreated and unenhanced, a factor that enhances its desirability for collectors and connoisseurs who prefer natural, untouched material. Because it has not undergone heating, irradiation, or any form of clarity enhancement, the stone’s optical properties and stability are fully natural.

The origin of this moonstone is Ceylon, Sri Lanka, a region historically and contemporarily renowned for producing some of the world’s finest feldspar gem material. Ceylon moonstones are frequently valued for their balanced translucency and attractive adularescence, and provenance can be a meaningful factor for educated buyers who understand the geological and historical context of gem sources. In addition to origin, other considerations that drive value include carat weight, cut quality, body color, clarity, polish, and whether the stone has been treated. In this case, the combination of near colorless body, significant carat weight for a cabochon, excellent polish, and natural origin makes this gemstone exceptional relative to the more common smaller, cloudier, or treated moonstones often found in the market.

For practical use and setting recommendations, the dome and size of this cabochon make it an excellent candidate for a statement ring, a refined pendant, or a centerpiece in bespoke jewelry designs. Because moonstone exhibits perfect to good cleavage in certain directions, careful setting with a protective bezel or secure prongs is recommended to reduce the risk of mechanical damage during wear. For buyers seeking certification or additional verification, The Natural Gemstone Company can provide high-resolution photographs, videos under directional lighting to demonstrate adularescence, and assistance obtaining laboratory reports on request. We encourage interested clients to reach out for custom mounting options and to discuss how this rare 1.76 carat white moonstone can become the highlight of a curated collection or a one-of-a-kind commission.