2.52 Ct. Cabochon Moonstone from Madagascar

This translucent round blue flash moonstone is presented as a collector grade specimen from The Natural Gemstone Company, weighing 2.52 carats, with precise dimensions measuring 9.01 x 8.98 x 5.02 mm. The stone has been shaped into a classic cabochon, with a symmetrical round outline and a well centered dome, attributes that are essential for maximizing the optical effect for which moonstone is prized. The body color is classified as medium light, a tonal range that provides an ideal background for blue adularescence, and the clarity is graded as very slightly included at eye level, indicating only minor internal characteristics that do not detract from the overall visual performance. The polish is excellent, evidencing careful lapidary work to produce a smooth, reflective surface that enhances the stone aesthetic, and the specimen is free of any enhancements, originating from the well regarded deposits of Madagascar.

From a gemological perspective the stone displays pronounced adularescence, commonly described as a blue flash confined to the upper portion of the dome, an effect produced by light scattering within layered lamellae of albite and orthoclase that constitute moonstone. The cabochon profile has been chosen with attention to dome height and curvature, the 5.02 mm height over a near nine millimeter diameter yields a dome to diameter ratio near 0.56, a proportion that favors a coherent blue sheen without compromising translucency. The adularescence is controllable by orientation and lighting, and this specimen shows a concentrated blue sheen at the apex that shifts subtly with movement, a hallmark of well oriented lamellar microstructure. Typical refractive index values for orthoclase moonstone fall in the range 1.518 to 1.526, with low birefringence around 0.007, and a specific gravity near 2.56 to 2.59, physical properties that, in combination with the internal layering, create the distinctive schiller observed here.

The very slightly included clarity grade indicates the presence of minor inclusions and growth features, most likely fine planar partings or minute crystal inclusions, which were evaluated at eye level and found to be unobtrusive. These internal features are intrinsic to natural moonstone and often contribute to the gem character without impairing adularescence or structural integrity. The exceptional polish contributes significantly to the perceived quality, eliminating surface pits and scratches that would otherwise diffuse light and soften the blue flash. Craftsmanship notes include careful centering of the adularescent zone relative to the stone outline, consistent dome symmetry, and a clean girdle transition to facilitate secure setting. For collectors and designers who prioritize optical performance, the cabochon form has been optimized to balance thickness and translucency, yielding a vivid centralized flash while preserving pleasing hand size.

Provenance and handling considerations enhance the appeal of this Madagascar moonstone to high end collectors and connoisseurs, with no heat treatment or other enhancement applied, ensuring natural optical character. The specimen is well suited to a variety of high quality settings, including protective bezel mounts or custom gallery settings that allow light interaction, and it pairs particularly well with cool white metals that complement the blue flash or with subtle accent stones that do not compete with the primary adularescence. Care recommendations include avoiding ultrasonic and steam cleaners, limiting exposure to high heat and harsh chemicals, and storing separately to prevent abrasion against harder gem materials. The Natural Gemstone Company stands ready to provide additional high resolution photography, detailed measurement documentation, and bespoke mounting consultation for collectors seeking a distinctive centerpiece for their collection, or for designers planning a refined jewelry commission.