14.45 Ct. Cabochon Moonstone from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

One exquisite translucent orange moonstone is presented by The Natural Gemstone Company, weighing 14.45 carats, with an oval outline measuring 18.01 millimeters in length, 14.05 millimeters in width, and 8.27 millimeters in depth, rendered as a classic cabochon cut. The stone originates from Ceylon Sri Lanka, and it has been evaluated as having no enhancement, a clarity grade of very very slightly included when examined at eye level, medium color intensity, and an excellent polish. The oval proportions yield a length to width ratio of 1.28, a dimensional relationship that favors balanced visual presence in rings and pendants, and the total depth produces a robust dome that supports optical phenomena without excessive bulk. The cabochon style chosen for this specimen emphasizes surface continuity and light transmission, and the finishing is executed to preserve translucency while maximizing the soft glow associated with fine moonstone material.

From a gemological and mineralogical perspective, this orange moonstone is a feldspar material exhibiting the adularescent effect that defines moonstone, generated by the lamellar intergrowth of orthoclase and albite at the microscopic scale. Light scattering at these alternating layers produces a soft, floating sheen that moves beneath a smooth cabochon dome, and the medium color intensity of this piece integrates with the adularescence to create a warm, apricot to peach body color under diffused illumination. Typical optical constants for orthoclase based moonstone fall in a refractive index range near 1.518 to 1.525, and a specific gravity commonly near 2.56 to 2.62, values that inform lapidary handling and setting considerations. The translucency grade here allows internal light diffusion that enhances perceived depth without obscuring the rare, subtle orange hue, and the absence of treatments confirms that the color is natural to the Sri Lankan material rather than induced.

The cutting and finishing details are oriented toward optimized optical return and practical wearability, with the cabochon exhibiting a well controlled dome curvature, consistent symmetry across the oval plane, and a finely smoothed girdle to facilitate secure bezel seating. The dome profile is substantial relative to the stone dimensions, enabling a full presentation of adularescence when the piece is rotated under a light source, and the excellent polish minimizes surface scattering that would otherwise reduce sheen contrast. The very very slightly included clarity grade indicates only minimal internal features, commonly thin growth textures or isolated pinpoint inclusions, that remain inconspicuous at normal viewing distances and do not interrupt the continuity of the adularescent band. The lapidary workflow for this specimen prioritized careful orientation of the cleavage planes and lamellae to align the primary adularescent plane parallel to the table of the cabochon, a technical choice that maximizes the apparent movement of light and preserves structural integrity given the two directional cleavage tendencies of feldspar.

For design integration and practical handling, this 14.45 carat orange moonstone is highly suited to bespoke jewelry applications that benefit from a domed, warm centerpiece, most commonly medium to large rings and pendant settings where the oval silhouette and depth can be appreciated. A well fitted bezel setting is recommended to protect the cabochon edge and to complement the smooth dome, while a low profile prong mount can be used when open back illumination is desired, subject to careful seat engineering to prevent edge chipping. Considerations for wear include the moderate Mohs hardness characteristic of feldspar, generally in the 6 to 6.5 range, which advises protective settings for everyday pieces and periodic inspection for surface abrasion. The Natural Gemstone Company provides this moonstone as a natural, untreated gem, and it is delivered with the detailed dimensional and qualitative data presented here to assist designers and gemologists in matching it to an intended setting, fabrication method, and aesthetic brief.