60.64 Ct. Cabochon Moonstone from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This offering from The Natural Gemstone Company is a single, substantial brown moonstone, presented as a translucent, oval cabochon weighing 60.64 carats. The stone measures 29.49 by 21.22 by 12.82 millimeters, dimensions that establish it as a prominent specimen suitable for statement jewelry or a collector piece. The cabochon cut emphasizes the inherent optical phenomena of moonstone, producing a smooth domed surface that enhances the stone's translucency and internal glow. The shape is an elongated oval, proportioned to balance a generous face-up area with a substantial depth that contributes to visual weight and presence when set. The polished dome presents consistent curvature and symmetry, indicating careful lapidary work and attention to cutting proportions.

Clarity assessment at eye level classifies this moonstone as eye clean, indicating the absence of inclusions or surface-reaching features that are visible without magnification. This clarity grade, coupled with the stone's translucent character, allows light to interact within the internal structure to yield a soft, luminous effect characteristic of moonstone. The color is described as brown with intense color intensity, a relatively uncommon and refined hue within the moonstone family that offers warm, earthy tones while retaining the mineral's signature sheen. The polish is evaluated as excellent, presenting a smooth, reflective surface without visible polish lines, pits, or abrasions, which optimizes light return and tactile quality.

From a material and treatment perspective, the moonstone is natural and untreated, with no enhancements reported. Origin is documented as Ceylon, Sri Lanka, a region with a long history of producing high quality feldspar specimens, which provides provenance value to the piece. As a potassium feldspar, moonstone exhibits the effect known as adularescence, a soft schiller caused by alternating layers within the structure, and the cabochon form of this stone is suited to showcase that phenomenon. In practical terms, moonstone registers approximately 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, which necessitates considered design choices for pieces intended for regular wear. The 12.82 millimeter depth produces a noticeable dome height that should be protected from hard knocks by an appropriately designed setting.

Recommended applications and care guidelines are provided to preserve the stone's appearance and structural integrity. The size and form make the piece particularly appropriate for a pendant or brooch where the cabochon can be displayed face-up and shielded from impact, though it can also be set into a ring with a secure bezel that protects the girdle and supports the dome. Metal choices will depend on design intent; warmer tones such as yellow or rose gold complement the brown color, while white metals offer a contrasting contemporary look. Routine cleaning should be performed with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush or cloth, avoiding steam, ultrasonic cleaning, harsh chemicals, and abrupt temperature changes. For appraisal, certification, or insurance, independent verification by a recognized gemological laboratory is advised, and documentation of the Ceylon origin and lack of enhancement will assist in establishing market value.