23.70 Ct. Cabochon Moonstone from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This listing describes a single, well proportioned natural brown moonstone of 23.70 carats, presented in a classic oval outline with dimensions of 17.12 mm by 17.00 mm by 11.82 mm. The gem is semi translucent, which is an important optical attribute for moonstone that allows for a delicate interplay between body color and internal light scattering. The piece has been fashioned as a cabochon, exhibiting a domed top and a well defined profile that emphasizes the mineralogical layering of orthoclase feldspar. Origin is Ceylon, Sri Lanka, and there are no enhancements applied, so the visual character is entirely natural. The clarity is graded as very slightly included at eye level, and the surface shows an excellent polish that contributes to a smooth tactile finish and optimized light reflection across the dome.

From a lapidary perspective, this cabochon demonstrates careful cutting and finishing choices that prioritize the optical phenomena associated with moonstone. The cutter has maintained symmetrical outline tolerances within a fraction of a millimeter, which is evident in the near equal length and width measurements. The dome height relative to the overall face appears calibrated to maximize internal sheen while preserving a comfortable profile for mounting, a technique that indicates an awareness of adularescence orientation. For moonstone, this means aligning the cleavage and growth lamellae parallel to the base so that transmitted and reflected light produces a soft, floating shimmer. The cutter would have preformed the rough to remove cleavage planes, progressed through successive grits to refine the convex surface, and executed final polishing with cerium oxide or similar agents to achieve the excellent polish reported.

Optical qualities of this brown moonstone are described with attention to both body color and sheen. The medium color intensity places it within a range that reads as warm brown without overpowering opacity, allowing the semi translucency to convey depth. Adularescence in this specimen is present, though modest, showing a creamy to pale white sheen that migrates subtly across the dome as the viewing angle changes. Inclusions are very slight at standard viewing distances, consisting likely of minute platelets or fine growth features common to orthoclase feldspar, which do not materially interrupt the internal light play. Because the clarity assessment was performed at eye level, buyers can expect natural inclusions to be minor and not to affect durability. The excellent polish enhances both the body luster and the apparent clarity, reducing light diffusion at the surface and improving the perceived saturation and movement of the adularescent effect.

For practical use and for discerning collectors, several technical considerations are relevant. Moonstone registers approximately 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, and has a specific gravity near 2.55 to 2.60, which informs mounting and wear expectations. Given the inherent cleavage of feldspars, secure mounting strategies such as bezel settings are recommended to protect the dome and to reduce the risk of edge chipping, especially for higher poundage settings like rings. The cabochon format and the measured proportions make this gem particularly suitable for a statement pendant, an elegant cabochon ring, or a designer bezel set where the dome can be shown without stress to the girdle. Cleaning should be performed with warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding steam or ultrasonic cleaners to safeguard against cleavage related damage. This moonstone is supplied by The Natural Gemstone Company as an unenhanced, origin certified piece, and it will appeal to buyers who value natural provenance, careful lapidary orientation to optical properties, and a high standard of surface finish.