1.88 Ct. Cabochon Moonstone from Madagascar

This translucent blue flash moonstone arrives to you with a clear provenance and a quiet story of earth and craft, sourced from the mineral rich highlands of Madagascar, where ancient pegmatites and riverbeds yield feldspar crystals that have gathered light for millions of years. This specimen is a 1.88 carat round shape moonstone, skillfully cabochon cut to dimensions of 8.53 x 8.62 x 3.94 mm. Its clarity is graded as very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, presenting inclusions that are honest and natural and that add to the gem s character rather than detract from its glow. The color intensity reads as medium light, a tone that allows the blue adularescent flash to emerge like a reflected moonbeam when viewed from different angles. The polish on this stone is excellent, the surface smooth to the touch and nearly imperceptible in its finish, which permits the internal shimmer to take center stage. Enhancement is absent, the material is untreated, and that authenticity forms the backbone of the piece s appeal to collectors and makers who seek natural, unaltered beauty. At The Natural Gemstone Company we document origin and treatment status for every gem, and this moonstone carries the clear mark of Malagasy origin and no enhancement, offering a pure connection to its place of origin.

From rough to realm ready, the transformation of this moonstone is a small narrative of patient workmanship and intuitive cutting. The cabochon shape is chosen because it best expresses the phenomenon moonstone is celebrated for, the adularescence that appears as a soft blue flash gliding across a milky, translucent body. Skilled lapidaries examine the piece for the ideal orientation of internal layering, aligning the dome to allow light to sweep across the lamellar structure and bring forth the blue flash that seems to move like water under moonlight. The round outline measures a comfortable size for many jewelry settings, large enough to be felt and seen, yet refined in proportion, and the height of 3.94 mm provides depth that enhances the gem s internal light play without becoming top heavy in a mounting. The very slightly included clarity grade contributes to a sense of natural origin, the tiny internal features catching and scattering light in subtle ways that make each viewing unique. This is a gem that rewards attention, that changes like a small secret, revealing more with each tilt and each glance, a tactile and visual companion that invites handling and contemplation.

When considering daily wear and the practicalities of jewelry design, it is important to understand where moonstone sits on the Mohs hardness scale, and what that means for durability. Moonstone typically ranks at about 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it softer than gems such as quartz which is about 7, topaz which is about 8, and corundum species like sapphire and ruby which are about 9, while diamond remains at the top at 10. This placement indicates that moonstone is moderately durable, able to resist normal wear and light abrasion, yet it is more vulnerable to sharp knocks, hard abrasion, and rough handling than harder gemstones. For jewelry that sees frequent contact, such as rings, we recommend protective settings, for example bezels or raised rubbers that shield the edges, or designs that recess the cabochon to reduce the likelihood of direct impact. Pendants and earrings are particularly suited to moonstone, because they showcase the blue flash and typically receive gentler wear. Cleaning should be gentle, with warm water and mild soap, avoiding ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals that can stress the stone or its mounting. Thoughtful setting and mindful care will ensure this moonstone gives years of luminous service and retains its soft, moonlit appeal.

Beyond physical properties and workmanship, this moonstone carries cultural echoes and an emotional presence that has traveled with humans for centuries. Across traditions, moonstone has been associated with cycles, intuition, and emotional balance, a gem often entrusted to brides in some cultures and carried as a talisman for calm and reflection in others. The blue flash within this cabochon evokes the night sky, and wearing it can feel like a small ritual, a private beacon that shifts with the wearer s movements and mood. At The Natural Gemstone Company we honor both the scientific and the soulful aspects of gemstones, presenting this moonstone as an authentic, untreated piece from Madagascar, ready to be set into a custom design or to become a centerpiece in a fine finished jewel. We select each stone for quality of adularescence, clarity that speaks to natural formation, and a finish that complements the inner light. If you seek a gem that bridges geology and myth, that has been shaped by hands and time, this 1.88 carat round blue flash moonstone offers a luminous connection to the night sky, to the island from which it came, and to the craftspeople who brought its inner glow into the light.