6.78 Ct. Cabochon Moonstone from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

One beautiful translucent 6.78 carat oval shape orange moonstone, measuring 14.19 x 10.03 x 6.10 mm, is presented by The Natural Gemstone Company. The gem has been cut as a cabochon which is the traditional and preferred style for moonstones, allowing the internal optical effects and color to be shown to best advantage. The clarity grade is very slightly included, evaluated at eye level, and the surface shows an excellent polish that gives a smooth, luminous face up appearance. Color intensity is medium intense, delivering a warm, peach to orange tone that is evenly distributed across the table. There has been no enhancement or treatment, the stone is natural, and the reported origin is Ceylon, Sri Lanka, an island renowned for producing some of the finest moonstone material in the world.

To understand the quality and appeal of this piece, it helps to review the grading attributes that control both beauty and value. Clarity described as very slightly included, evaluated at eye level, means that the stone shows only minor inclusions that do not materially distract from the face up appearance under normal viewing conditions. These would typically be tiny mineral inclusions or faint veils within the feldspar structure that do not interfere with the moonstone effect. The cabochon cut is central to the gem’s optical performance, because moonstone displays adularescence, a soft billowing light that moves beneath the surface. This effect arises from lamellar intergrowths of albite and orthoclase within the feldspar, producing the characteristic sheen. A medium intense body color combined with translucency enhances depth and ensures the adularescence reads well, while an excellent polish minimizes surface diffusion and maximizes reflected light.

Why this particular orange moonstone is valuable to an educated buyer can be stated in practical terms. At 6.78 carats this example is a substantial size for gem quality moonstone, a carat weight that allows it to be the focal point of a fine piece of jewelry. Orange moonstones are less common than typical white and blue adularescent pieces, so a well colored, evenly saturated orange example from Ceylon commands interest from collectors and designers alike. The absence of enhancement further increases its desirability, since untreated gems retain market preference and long term value. The dimensions and 6.10 mm depth indicate a well proportioned cabochon, providing enough dome to exhibit adularescence without appearing top heavy once set. The combination of translucency, color intensity, and very slight inclusions makes this stone especially well suited for high quality bespoke work where both aesthetic performance and natural origin are prioritized.

For practical use and care, this orange moonstone is ideal for rings, pendants, or statement earrings where the cabochon form can be shown off. Given its cabochon cut, bezel settings work particularly well to protect the girdle and provide a secure mount, while pronged settings may be used with careful design to avoid exposure to knocks. As a feldspar, moonstone should be treated with reasonable care, avoiding harsh chemicals, sudden temperature changes, and ultrasonic cleaners, which can stress internal structures. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush, dry with a soft cloth, and store separately from harder gems to prevent surface scratches. At The Natural Gemstone Company we can provide additional high resolution images and video to show the adularescence under different lighting, and we recommend accompanying documentation of natural origin and condition for resale or insurance purposes. This orange moonstone represents a natural, untreated, and attractively finished example of Ceylon material, and for buyers who value provenance, natural state, and measured gemological attributes, it offers a compelling balance of beauty and integrity.