Moonstones are very popular and historical gemstones with a very distinctive appearance where a glow or shimmer seems to float above the surface of the gemstone - a phenomenon known as adularescence.
Very rarely this phenomenon combines with the equally alluring cat's eye effect and produces a truly spectral gemstone.
Cat's Eye Moonstone Colors
Cat's Eye Moonstones come in a variety of delicate colors - white or colorless, cream, gray, yellow and orange are the most common. While the color is very important, of course, it is the surface sheen or shimmer plus the characteristic 'eye' that makes this stone.
Read more about gemstones colors here
Cat's Eye Moonstone Species
Cat's Eye Moonstones are a type of feldspar in which two feldspar minerals, orthoclase and albite, mix together in layers as they form. This layering scatters light as it enters the stone and produces the famous glow.
The Cat's Eye effect is caused by thin needle-like inclusions within the stone which also catch and interfere with light as it enters the Moonstone and creates the sharp 'pupil' that we see on good examples.
Cat's Eye Moonstone Price
Most gemstones are valued on their color but with Cat's Eye Moonstones there are a couple of more important factors when it comes to price.
Before the color is taken into consideration the Cat's Eye Moonstone must show a sharp 'eye' which should be as centered as possible with a nice even movement as the gemstone is turned.
Then the Cat's Eye Moonstone must have the distinguishing gleam known as adularescence that floats like an aura about the stone.
Most moonstones are cut to be around 5 to 10 carats in weight as this size shows off the glow and the eye at their best and is also a convenient size for jewelry items. The price per carat does not change as the stone gets larger.
After this the color is a matter of personal taste although any with a blue sheen will be much prized. The price per carat can vary considerably according to the above criteria but should fall between $3 and $50 per carat no matter the size.
For more details please refer to our full Moonstone Info page here
Cat's Eye Moonstone Treatments
Cat's Eye Moonstones are an all-natural untreated gemstone.
Where are Cat's Eye Moonstones found?
The best Cat's Eye Moonstones are famously found in India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar as well as Brazil, Madagascar, Australia and the US.
What jewelry is Cat's Eye Moonstone suitable for?
Cat's Eye Moonstones are rated at 6 - 6.5 on Mohs hardness scale making them durable enough for most types of jewelry items. Rings may need protective settings but as they are always cut as cabochons with rounded tops and flat bottoms there are no sharp edges or corners to chip.
Cat's Eye Moonstones can be found in both matching pairs and in lots so matching jewelry sets are an option too.
Birthstones and Anniversaries
Cat's Eye Moonstones are one of the official birthstones for June
Cat's Eye Moonstones can be used to celebrate the 13th wedding anniversary.
