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| Moonstone v. Opalite |
It's really pretty easy to tell if something is Opalite---which is just glass, and not a gemstone---or if it's Moonstone. And lately, sellers are really pushing this glass Opalite as "Opalite Quartz" claiming it's a natural stone! It is NOT, it is still just glass, no matter how many times deceitful sellers say it.
OPALITE
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| Opalite Nuggets |
Opalite is often carved into figures, like talismans or Buddhas and skulls, etc., and lately carved or molded into crystal "point" shapes, and is sold as strands of beads or briolettes.
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| Opalite Donut |
It is also carved into faceted briolettes, smooth cabochons, smooth circles, hearts, ovals, rounds, squares, and other gemstone-like cuts that are sold as jewelry items.
HOW TO TELL IF IT'S OPALITE
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| Opalite "Point" |
In other words, the "glow" of Opalite glass changes when viewed against light or dark backgrounds.
Also, Opalite glass is VERY inexpensive, and can be found in hobby stores like Michaels (marked "Opalite Glass") for about $5 for an entire strand of beads.
MOONSTONE
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| Moonstone against light background |
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| Moonstone against dark background |
Moonstone is made of two minerals---orthoclase and albite---which form in stacked layers within the stone. When light shines on this gemstone, the thin, flat layers scatter the light in a unique way, causing a phenomenon called "adularescence". Adularescence is the shimmering glow that moves across the gem, like a ghostly and ever-changing glow, as you move the gemstone. Moonstone has this shimmering blue glow, whether it is against a white background, dark background, or none at all! The glow follows the light in bright flashes.
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| Genuine Moonstone |
Rainbow Moonstone is actually not moonstone, but is a variety of Labradorite. It also has adularescence in a variety of colors---blues, pinks, yellows, purples, greens, reds----hence the name.
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| Faceted Rainbow Moonstone |
HOW TO TELL IF IT IS MOONSTONE
Just by looking at the Moonstone, most of the time, you can see these "layers" within the stone. The Moonstone will have "inclusions" or "cracks" and other features within the stone, and won't be perfectly clear like glass. There are some VERY high-end Moonstones that look nearly clear, but even these will not have that milky glass appearance like Opalite.Rainbow Moonstones also have these "layers" within the gem, as does labradorite.
WHEN IN DOUBT...
You could always just ask the seller if they are selling genuine Moonstone, or Opalite! Any honest seller will tell you the truth. Or if you still have doubts, just ask me and I'll be glad to take a look and see if I can tell.
Thank you SO much! This has been very helpful. Do you think these below are real rainbow moonstone? I am very skeptical, lol!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.etsy.com/listing/249527832/rare-pair-of-real-rainbow-moonstone?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_e-jewelry-body_jewelry-other&utm_custom1=c4c4ef20-6049-4002-9553-acb314895233&gclid=CIrngIWvlsoCFZEXHwodYEoMyA
They actually DO look like genuine moonstones (or labradorite)! I can see a little bit of blue "flash" in the stones. Also, I learned something new---there really are black tourmaline inclusions found in moonstone (feldspar) gems! So that's was interesting. Thank you for asking!
ReplyDeleteI have a necklace,bracelet,screw on back earrings that are in pure silver with what is suppose to be moonstones as the gems in this unique jewelry that my great grandmother use to own. I don't really know how to tell if they are real moonstones.I have read up on how you can tell the difference but it's really hard and I know that this jewelry is really old because she had it got it back when she was in here maybe teens or early twenties. So may question is when or if you know when synthetic moonstone started coming out? She past away in 2005 and she was 98 yrs old then. Sorry so long but was just wondering.
ReplyDeleteSorry it was in 1995 when my great grandmother past away and she was 98 yrs old at that time.
ReplyDeleteIt could very well be genuine moonstones! But simulated gems have been around for many, many years. Without seeing the jewelry, it could be another gemstone, or glass. But Moonstones always have that special glow that appears in the light---"schiller"---that is a flash of color. Does this happen when you look at the jewelry in the sunlight? And you could just bring it to a jeweler near you and ask--they could probably help you. It sounds beautiful and very special!
ReplyDeleteThe glass Opalite that you see everywhere now was introduced in Hong Kong in 1988. So it's VERY unlikely that your great grandmother's jewelry has opalite in it, and it's very likely that those are moonstones or some other gemstone. Thank you so much for asking!
ReplyDeleteHey so i bought a moonstone bracelete from this little shop that sells jewerly made from gemstones and i also bought a jade one...i tried scratching the jade one and putting water on it and it didn't scratch nor did water slide off so it must be genuine...i tought because of that that the moonstone one should be real aswell (i bought each for 5$ which is a bit pricy for a bracelete in my country) but after i read this i noticed a bubble in one of the beads on the moonstone one but it seems to have a blue tint always and also pink purple and yellow under the light and it doesn't have layers inside (the beads are the size of peas) so i'm not sure if it's real..What do you think?
ReplyDeleteWell, it's hard to say without seeing the moonstones! Some moonstones are very clear with just the blue "flash" (no "layers") and sometimes minerals can have little bubbles inside, or inclusions that look like bubbles. Rainbow moonstone does have different colors, like pinks and yellows, under the light, so it could very well be genuine moonstones! It sounds lovely and I'm sure you'll enjoy wearing both your moonstone bracelet and your jade bracelet!
ReplyDeleteHi there I have a nice collection of rough stone,I took a few pieces to a jeweller who said that they were moonstone, am I able to email u a few photos to confirm this?
ReplyDeleteSure! Rough moonstone is a great looking stone! I'd love to see pictures, but if a jeweler confirmed it and if they look like the pictures you'd find if you google "rough moonstone" I'm sure it is! You can post a link here, or send me an email directly at WabiSabiChic @ gmail. com (no spaces of course). Thank you!
DeleteHi there, I just recently read this blog post, and I'm very hopeful you'd be able to help me with my stone dilemma. So recently, I bought a very pretty Moonstone during my trip to Saudi Arabia. It was very cheap, and I'm suspicious it might be fake or an Opalite. I couldn't ask the seller himself because he spoke very limited English and couldn't understand what I was saying, so I had to assume it was a real Moonstone.
ReplyDeleteThe stone I bought doesn't have any facets or layers, but it also doesn't have any bubbles inside of it. After reading your article, I did notice these tiny little pinprick sized cracks and dents on the surface and tiny black spots here and there. I also noticed a significant dent-like imperfection on the edge of its cut which is rough to the touch, as if the seller couldn't properly polish that area.
Color-wise, the stone is translucent, and isn't milky like the Opalites I searched up online. It has a golden and very occasionally pink glow when hit with natural light, but the blue dominates most of the surface regardless of the background color, a bit like the donut-shaped Opalite picture you posted. The blue does tend to move around depending on the light angle though...
Here's some pictures I took of it, so you can judge it for yourself http://postimg.org/image/3y7c3xf2r/
Fingers crossed that it's a genuine Moonstone...
Hello! It's so hard to tell from your pictures, but my first impression is that it's more like Opalite or perhaps lavender moon quartz. "Moon quartz" is a genuine gemstone, and if you google that and look at images, maybe it looks like your gem.
ReplyDeleteOpalite is pretty translucent, and looks very blue overall against a dark background (like your pics). They can be cut and polished in a less "manufactured" look so they seem more like gemstones. Here is a good picture I just saw on the net. It's someone holding tumbled Opalite nuggets. Does this look like the stone you have? https://www.pinterest.com/pin/441212094715267104/
But here is a picture of a very blue looking moonstone that is very high quality and would be very expensive! The moonstone in the picture looks very blue overall (and looks almost like a star sapphire) but still has the distinctive "shimmer" (almost like a cat's eye effect in this picture). Here's that link: http://www.gemologyonline.com/moonstone.html
I wish I could assure you that your stone is a moonstone! Or a moon quartz! But from your pictures, it is really hard to say for sure, but it looks more like Opalite to me rather than moonstone. There are very clear moonstones that have almost no visible "layers" within and show flashes of bright blue in the light, but are quite expensive.
Your very best bet would be to have a jeweler take a look at your stone! A good jeweler could tell right away if it's glass or moonstone.
I hope it's moonstone! Or the beautiful "lavender moon quartz"! But even if it's not, it's still beautiful and a lovely memento of your fantastic trip to Saudi Arabia!
Thank you so much for asking! I hope I've helped a little.
Hi, I just finished with this post and it was really helpful. I was just wondering if you might be able to help me identify the stone in the link that's below. I think it might not be a moonstone based on this post but it never hurts to be sure. Thanks for the help!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.etsy.com/listing/249462412/the-leaf-ring-with-moonstone-jewelry
Hi, You are right in thinking this is not moonstone. One good way to tell.. besides how it looks, is the obvious low price. I get very annoyed when sellers claim their items are moonstone, and not opalite. Opalite is beautiful in its own right, but is not a stone, and is much less expensive than moonstone.
DeleteSo, you were right to think this listing was not moonstone.
www.artisansofold.com
Yes, Opalite is really pretty, but I also hate seeing it being sold as "moonstone" or "opalite quartz" and all those other "gemstone" type names. It's not quartz or any mineral---just glass, although a very pretty glass! Opalite always looks solidly blue when against a darker background (like in a bezel setting sometimes) and doesn't have that mysterious "flash" of blue shimmer. And the low price would also tell me that it's in a base metal (which could be anything, including nickel) which a jeweler would never use with a genuine moonstone.
DeleteThanks again!
-Dawn
I'm sorry for the delay in getting back to you! I've looked at that ring....well, I hate to say anything negative about specific shops, but that doesn't look like moonstone at all to me. It does look more like Opalite. It's just $11 and is supposedly set in brass--not any sort of precious metal like silver--so it's pretty doubtful that it's a gemstone. I saw another ring they have with what looks like the same stone and they're describing it as "opal". I'm pretty sure it's neither opal nor moonstone, but opalite.
ReplyDeleteI would also be unsure that their rings are actually "brass" as they are silvery, and could be really any metal including things that might contain nickel or even lead.
You could ask the seller for an assurance that the ring is a gemstone, and that if tested it turns out to be glass (opalite) they'd refund you for shipping both ways.
In this case, I think it's "you get what you pay for" so if you're okay with Opalite set in a sort of "mystery metal" and it's worth $11 for you, and you like it, then get it! If you're looking for a genuine gemstone in a ring that will last for a long time, maybe that isn't the store!
Thanks for asking!
Hello Dawn,
ReplyDeleteThank you for this most informative post.
I purchased the following pendant recently. The description reads 'Opalite Moonstone'... Your thoughts please? Many thanks in advance.
http://spiritmagic.net/collections/opalite/products/lapis-lazuli-and-amethyst-gemmed-moonstone-pendant
Hi, Mayoress! I've looked at the pendant, and it's quite pretty! The "blade" portion is definitely Opalite, which is a glass. I don't see any moonstone at all! The little pear Amethyst cabochon could be genuine (it looks like it) and the lapis cab at the top might be genuine (it's hard to tell, but it looks genuine). My real question is, what metal is that? If it's sterling silver, the description doesn't mention it (and I'd think they would!) and I'm always leery of "mystery metals" because they could contain nickel (allergies!) or even lead.
DeleteI see they have another pendant in that same style that's purple fluorite with amethyst and a little moonstone at the top---that moonstone DOES look genuine.
They refer to Opalite as a "gemstone" with metaphysical properties on their site. While it truly is a beautiful stone and is very mysterious looking, it's really not a gem at all (just glass)!
However, if you love it and enjoy wearing and it brings you comfort and peace, then that's what really matters. If you were looking for a genuine moonstone--then that's not it, unfortunately.
I hope this helps!
Hello again, Dawn ~
DeleteEver so grateful to you for taking the time and energy to look into my query and send me this prompt reply clarifying that the piece is actually glass and not Moonstone.
I actually only purchased it because I thought it was genuine Moonstone and I was more interested in the metaphysical properties described rather than its physical appearance. However, it did come to me at the last minute when I was not even intending to buy it, so I know that it wants to connect with me for some reason or another ;-)
And, yes, whether or not the metal is Sterling Silver. Hmm... Perhaps I should drop them a line and ask.
I find it is more suitable as a table or shelf decoration. It does not feel comfortable worn round my neck.
Again, so much appreciation to you for your reply and for this most amazing blog. So very helpful indeed!!
Many Blessings!!
It's been my pleasure! Thank you so much for reading my blog! :)
DeleteHi! Wondering if you could have a look at this ring for me and let me know if it's genuine moonstone? Thanks!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.etsy.com/listing/245493654/rainbow-moonstone-ring-boho-ring
Hello! I looked at the ring, and it does indeed look like genuine Moonstone! It's also very, very pretty!
DeleteThank you so much for asking!
-Dawn
Hi dawn.
ReplyDeleteAbout to buy this and wondering what your opinion is:
http://m.ebay.es/itm/262452305591
Hi, Alejandra!
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely genuine Rainbow Moonstone---in a very interesting, nice sterling setting! The stone itself is 15mm x 10mm, and I'm only mentioning that because the picture is so huge! (Very close up) But it's definitely genuine----good luck bidding on it!!
Thank you for asking!
-Dawn
Can you tell if these are moonstone or just the knock off? I already bought some from the same guy that look similar, but wanted to verify.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ebay.com/itm/8MM-NATURAL-RAINBOW-MOONSTONE-GEMSTONE-ROUND-BEADS-/191888432180?hash=item2cad711c34:g:-0cAAOSw9eVXWJrc
They look like they could be some type of moonstone, although I don't see any blue flashes whatsoever. Rainbow moonstone, if it's high quality, would have a lot of flashes of color. This could be some type of feldspar, or moonstone, but I can't tell by their picture.
DeleteThanks for asking!
In looking at this ebay seller's listings, any they have many listings for these 8mm round rainbow moonstones, some of the pictures do show a TINY bit of blue flash. So I'd say that yes, these are genuine moonstones, and not glass or something. I do hope that when yours arrive, they look much better than they do in the pictures! Nice quality rainbow moonstones should be at least somewhat transparent (not totally opaque) with lots of flashes of color in the light, as my pictures in this post show.
DeleteThanks for asking, Amanda!
Hello, i just bought a few pieces of "moonstone" in pendant form now that i look at it and read your blog it seems as if it is opalite. Would you be able to take a look at it and confirm if i send you pictures ? Im upset now i feel as if ive been ripped off
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThanks for your sharing! It is very useful! 😊
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to help! Thank you for your kind words!
Delete-Dawn :)
Hi! I was wondering if these are genuine moonstones or not (they don't look like opalite to me, but I'm not sure)!
ReplyDeleteThe price is low, I guess it's because they're sold from Bulgaria.
Thanks in advance
https://goo.gl/CstCTh
https://goo.gl/eJS2lA
Hi!
DeleteSomehow the links to the pictures didn't show up (or aren't working). If you could resend them, I'll take a look!!
These should work, thank you!
Deletehttps://www.etsy.com/listing/249358253/
https://www.etsy.com/listing/262874213/
Ah yes---those links worked! And yes, those are genuine rainbow moonstones, not opalite!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the links and thank you for asking!
-Dawn
May i please email you and send you pictures of the "moonstone" i bought to confirm if its real or fake?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteHi! I know I'm a little late but I was wondering if you could tell me if either of these are genuine moonstones
ReplyDeletehttps://www.etsy.com/listing/457297678/sterling-silver-moonstone-ring-faceted?ref=cat_gallery_13&ga_ref=similar_listings_row&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery
https://www.etsy.com/listing/470623801/blue-moonstone-ring-antiqued-sterling?ref=similar_listings_row
Hi, Alexis!
DeleteThose two rings are unique and beautiful, and YES those are lovely faceted genuine moonstones!
Thank you for asking! If you bought those rings (or either one), enjoy!!
-Dawn
Thank you so much!
DeleteHi there, I am looking at this vintage ring being sold as moonstone . I would be interested to know your input . Thank you so much :)
ReplyDeletehttp://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemDescV4&item=311465566384&category=164343&pm=1&ds=0&t=1474082373190
Please let me know if link does not work .
Hi, Jennifer! I looked at the ring, and yes it does look like a genuine moonstone! Hopefully in direct light (like sunlight) it will have some flashes of blue color because that's what makes moonstone so beautiful. I can see it's set in genuine sterling silver also.
DeleteI hope this helps! Thank you so much for asking!
-Dawn
Yay ! Thank you so much :) I value your opinion and will buy it now with confidence ! Have a great day
ReplyDeleteOh thanks, Jennifer! I hope you enjoy wearing your beautiful moonstone ring!
DeleteI got my ring in and it is soooo beautiful and it does indeed flash a really nice blue backlighting when the light hits it ,I need to figure out how to clean the silver majorly but without damage to the stone , but I am thrilled with the purchase !
ReplyDeleteWOW, that is a nice, huge moonstone and the ring is just beautiful! I'll send you an email about cleaning it. Enjoy wearing that gorgeous ring!!
DeleteHello i liked this article about moonstone and opalite. and i just recently bought a necklace pendant that was in a mix of moonstone and rainbow moonstone. is their a definitive way to tell if this is genuine moonstone or the rainbow moonstone? the sellers said that the one i picked was rainbow but i am not certain.
ReplyDeleteRainbow Moonstone has a distinctive blue "flash" of color in direct lighting (or even indirect lighting). I tried to help identify genuine Moonstone in my blog post above, but if that doesn't help---you could send me a picture and I'd be happy to see if I could tell if it's genuine from your picture! Thanks for asking!
Delete-Dawn
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI have what I thought was a large egg shaped, heavy & large moonstone. If you look up "worlds Largest moonstone" on youtube you will see almost a "twin" of mine. Now I'm thinking opalite. Your thoughts Please?
ReplyDeleteI just looked at that youtube video. I definitely can't tell much from that video---it could be anything! It could be moonstone, or a lump of frosted or etched glass (like opalite) or plastic, or some other gem. It has a vague blue cast but I can't even be sure that's in the stone or from a light above!
ReplyDelete===========
I just googled "moonstone discovered 1918 Mt. Kilimanjaro" and found a couple of things. First, the owner of this stone posted more pictures of it on a mineral website, asking there if it was moonstone. And the people on that site answered that they couldn't tell from pictures---that it could be anything, natural or manmade. And they gave him some pointers about testing it to see what it really is. Here, you can see for yourself:
http://www.mineral-forum.com/message-board/viewtopic.php?t=2150&sid=d45a9df07a2e256cf6cf63dea442f6fe
So whether you have a large moonstone or not--I don't know! If it looks just like the one in the youtube video, it's POSSIBLE that it's moonstone. But it's also possible that it's "frosted" opalite or even something else. Opalite appears to be blue when placed against a dark or black background (like in the video) and then has a more golden color when on a light background. The youtube video and the pictures on that website show the egg-shaped stone only on a black background--so it could very well be opalite. If yours also looks blue against a dark background, but more of a golden color otherwise, then it's more likely to be opalite.
Having it looked at in person by a gemologist would be the only way to know for sure!
Thanks for asking!
-Dawn
Ah, so in looking a little further online, the highly reputable IGS (International Gem Society) has a picture of that VERY same moonstone "egg" and identifies it as a moonstone! So perhaps the owner of that stone had it verified by a gemologist. Here is the IGS page, about halfway down:
Deletehttps://www.gemsociety.org/article/moonstone-jewelry-gem-information/
Hopefully the large egg-shaped "twin" that you have is also a Moonstone! How lucky you'd be if that's the case! But only a gemologist can tell you for sure.
Thanks again---this was interesting!
-Dawn
Hey, I was just wondering if this is possibly a real moonstone? My best friend lost her moonstone necklace a while ago and I want to buy her a new one for her birthday
ReplyDeletehttps://www.etsy.com/nz/listing/293891025/rainbow-moonstone-blue-moonstone?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=moonstone%20necklace&ref=sr_gallery_1
Thanks!
Hi, Tess!
DeleteYES, those are genuine Moonstones! A very excellent price too, btw! I'm sure your best friend will love one of these.
Thank you so much for asking!
-Dawn
Hi I really like this piece but am unsure about it as it has these black marks in it?
ReplyDeletehttps://www.etsy.com/listing/220690878/10-sale-gemshow-white-rainbow-moonstone?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=moonstone%20pendulum&ref=sr_gallery_10
Hello!
DeleteYes, those look like genuine rainbow moonstones! However, the higher quality moonstones would be nearly transparent, or semi-transparent, without those black rock-like inclusions. I'm not sure what those black specks are but are probably pieces of the host rock, and the stones do display that distinctive blue "flash" in some of the pictures, so these are moonstones (although not high quality ones). Id say it's a matter of your own personal taste if you like the look with the black or brown splotches and lines. It gives the pendant a more "rustic" look and "raw" gemstones are very popular!
Thanks for asking!
-Dawn
Hi dawn. I bought what I assumed was to "crystals" at a metaphysical store and upon investigation I feel I may not be able to properly tell if I have opalite or not. Is there any way you can help me tell please?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteHi Dawn! I just purchased a moonstone ring, and now I'm wondering if it's genuine or not. I read that rainbow moonstones aren't genuine moonstones. It would be disheartening if this is the case and I actually bought a fake moonstone. If you could tell me if this is actually a genuine moonstone, that would make my day! Thank you for your time!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.moonstoneshop.com/collections/moonstone-rings/products/moonstone-ring-starfishes
Hello!
ReplyDeleteThe ring in your link isn't a fake stone--it's a genuine feldspar "rainbow moonstone". There are different colors of moonstones---the traditional moonstone with the blue adularescence, plus grey, peach, and white Moonstones which show more of a cat's eye effect. Rainbow Moonstone is technically a trade name for a feldspar gem that has more than just the blue color (a "rainbow" of colors) and is a popular and accepted type of "moonstone". HOWEVER, it technically is a "species" of feldspar---a variety of labradorite.
Here is some great information from the GIA about Moonstones and the other varieties of feldspar:
https://www.gia.edu/moonstone-description
On their website, it says this: "Rainbow moonstone is transparent labradorite, a closely related feldspar mineral with sheen in a variety of iridescent colors." And then they also say, "To be called moonstone, a mineral’s actual identity is not as important as the beauty of its adularescence." So that's why I, personally, consider Rainbow Moonstone to be a Moonstone. It can be absolutely transparent with mostly blue adularescence but with hints of yellows or pinks, etc., and to me, it's just as beautiful (at least!).
Either way, Moonstone or Rainbow Moonstone---those are genuine gemstones!
I hope this helps, and thank you for asking!
-Dawn
Thank you for your response. So true moonstones are orthoclase not labradorite?
ReplyDeleteYes, technically, Moonstones are of the orthoclase species of feldspar. Rainbow Moonstones are technically the labradorite species of feldspar.
DeleteOkay, thanks for taking the time to respond. I believe I have a better understanding now. Hopefully this ring will be every thing that I want, and have similar healing properties.
ReplyDeleteI hope your ring is everything you want also!! It's lovely. Just FYI, here are some metaphysical attributes of each of the gems. They're very similar, and to me, the Rainbow Moonstone's lore is more powerful:
DeleteMOONSTONE: a stone of intuition and insight; helps balance emotions and relieves stress and increases patience; attracts good luck and good fortune; Ancient cultures believed that if you hold a moonstone in your mouth during a full moon, you can see into the future.
RAINBOW MOONSTONE: a magical stone with powerful protective properties which deflect negativity; helps its wearer find their true path in life; a stone of intuition and insight; balances emotions and increases patience; increases creativity; clears the mind and senses to allow for calm sleep; helps bring out psychic abilities.
======================
Good luck with your beautiful new ring! Thanks again!
-Dawn
I bought a natural moon Stone Pendant from silver sterling but it has no bubbles so I Don't Know if it is real or fake?????
ReplyDeleteA genuine Moonstone probably would NOT have bubbles in it. Glass often does. So if no bubbles, and it's set in sterling silver, it's most likely genuine! Yay! I hope this helps, and thanks for reading my blog!
Delete-Dawn
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/275237440/1418k-opal-aurora-ring-gold-ethiopian?ref=shop_home_active_80#
ReplyDeleteWould you be able to tell me if these are genuine
Hi, Paige! Yes, those look like beautiful genuine Opals, set in solid gold. The great thing about Etsy is that you can always buy it, have it looked at by a jeweler (gemologist) just to be sure it's as described, and if not, you can return it! But I'm sure those are genuine gemstones---and Ethiopian opals are really beautiful, so I think you'd be happy with it! (Those are also genuine moonstones in the picture that shows other gems as well!)
DeleteThank you for asking!
-Dawn
I'm unsure which to get, I love them both! Any recommendations?
ReplyDeleteThey're both just beautiful (and I LOVE the rose gold myself) but I'd choose the Ethiopian opal. Those are just spectacular gemstones! That would be my choice. Of course, I'd love to have either (or both)!!! Good luck in choosing one! Either way, it will be fantastic!
Delete-D:)
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI was planning on buying some moonstone from a seller which are rather highly priced. Could you take a look for me and let me know if they are genuine?
1) https://www.etsy.com/listing/211822126/448-ctover-100-yrs-rare-and-classic
2) https://www.etsy.com/listing/266209963/454-ct-gorgeous-burmese-moonstone?ref=related-3
3) https://www.etsy.com/listing/240814974/410-ct-more-than-100-yrs-old-beautiful?ref=related-6
4) https://www.etsy.com/listing/477691907/300-ct-fine-quality-ceylon-blue?ref=related-5
Would be great to have your input!
(My reply is below)
DeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteOK, Ive taken a look:
(1) That is genuine! But sold.
(2) Genuine moonstone, but very expensive.
(3) Also genuine Moonstone, but extremely expensive. The certification from "IGI" doesn't really mean anything--just FYI.
(4) Same as #3 - genuine Moonstone, but very expensive.
So, yes, those are genuine Moonstones. Those certifications are not from a reliable source---but the stones are genuine nonetheless. Genuine Moonstones can be expensive, but these are high price tags for stones purchased over the internet. If you are located near this gem seller, then perhaps you could see them in person before purchasing.
Their other gemstones, such as Peridot, appear genuine but also VERY pricey. Sellers can set prices as high as they want, or as high as people are willing to pay. High price tags don't always equal better quality---just a high markup.
I hope this helps--and thank you for asking!
I just wanted to add that I took a look around Etsy and the general price for a nice quality blue Moonstone (from Sri Lanka or as it was previously known, Ceylon) is about $80 a carat, roughly. I also looked at gemselect.com who also has only genuine gemstones, and their Moonstones are priced in wide ranges, so you might want to take a look there. Otherwise, the Etsy seller you linked to has genuine Moonstones that look nice!
ReplyDeleteThanks again!
Hi. I have a question about the difference between orthoclase moonstone and what I'll call white labradorite (for the sake of clarity). I've seen OM that appears almost completely without inclusions and has a satin sheen and a cat's eye effect along with the adularescence. I have also read from some gemological articles and blogs that OM can also glow with other colors besides blue and white and comes highly included making it almost identical to WL. My question is, how does one tell the difference? I've read that real OM is never other than blue or white but in the same reading I've also seen pictures of it clearly displaying yellow, orange and green flash. Are all moonstones that are cloudy and sort of fractal in fact labradorite or are there true moonstones that are included in such a way that they appear indistinguishable from white labradorite but are still orthoclase? It's all very confusing.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's VERY confusing to everyone! I wrote a post recently in an attempt to explain some of the differences and there are links to gemological sites regarding orthoclase moonstone v. rainbow moonstone and labradorite. The info on the GIA.edu website is what I consider to be the best. Here's a link to my post, and I hope this helps! If you're still confused----join the club! haha Seriously, there is no definitive answer, except to have gems tested by a gemologist. Anyway, I hope this link helps:
Deletehttp://invoguejewelry.blogspot.com/2017/02/moonstone-v-rainbow-moonstone-same-or.html
hi i was wondering if these were real genuine moonstone not rainbow moonstone
ReplyDeletehttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M1LN0KM/ref=ox_sc_act_image_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2YLAKH6K3GK8L
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CI2QZ92/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3PN8IZW4LRN45
Hi, Lacey!
DeleteThose look like Rainbow Moonstones. But it's really hard to tell for SURE unless you have a gemologist test the stone. The low price says it's Rainbow Moonstone, and genuine Moonstones (which have a slightly different chemical make-up) are very expensive. In my opinion, those are NICE Rainbow Moonstone pieces and the price is great, so I'd get them!
I wrote a little more about the difference between Moonstones and Rainbow Moonstones (which is VERY confusing even to jewelers and mineralogists) but it might help:
http://invoguejewelry.blogspot.com/2017/02/moonstone-v-rainbow-moonstone-same-or.html
Thanks, Lacey!
-Dawn :)
Hi Dawn
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if i could get your expert opinion on this ring i saw online...
I sincerely appreciate this article of yours and looking through the URLs everyone has been putting up, i am getting a better idea of what is a real moonstone. Indeed there is this flash of blue.
For this ring i am looking at, i am not sure if the white cast is due to the over exposure of the photo?? Or if it is a real moonstone.
Would love if you could take a few minutes to look at it.
https://www.etsy.com/sg-en/listing/271462090/vintage-moonstone-floral-engagement-ring?ref=shop_home_active_23
Thank you!
Best wishes
Jolene
Jolene, you have great taste because that ring is gorgeous!! Yes, that's a genuine Moonstone (probably Rainbow Moonstone) and they're really hard to photograph because the blue shimmer moves and changes. But YES, a genuine gem and not opalite or anything!
ReplyDeleteIf you decide to buy that ring, which is expensive, I hope you ask to see the actual Moonstone you would get. Each one is different and some have more blue or white flash/glow than others. And also keep in mind, the more transparent the Moonstone (most have white "streaks") the more the gem is worth (and the more beautiful the stone). I can see from that jeweler's other photos that they offer a LOT of gorgeous moonstones so I'm sure they will work with you to find the right gem for your ring!
Thanks for asking! Enjoy your GORGEOUS ring!
-Dawn
Hi Dawn!
DeleteThanks for the absolute speedy reply. I wasn't expecting that (thought you were going to reply in a week or two lol...)
Would you say that based on the photo it is a lot of white flash (lower value)? Because i am comparing it to the other esty and ebay URL the others have place up (theirs does not have this white streaks) but then again i am not sure if it is the seller's photography.
Hi, Jolene!
ReplyDeleteThat particular ring has a faceted moonstone, and most moonstones are cabochons (not faceted). I've seen faceted moonstones, and I even own one myself, although they're not common, and from what I've seen, the faceted moonstones have been a slightly lesser quality. The cabochon shape of a moonstone allows for the light to "dance" across the gem. I think jewelers will facet some moonstones to direct the light into the stone to create more of that "dance" of adularescence. But that said, the faceted gems are very pretty---but they do seem to be more "cloudy" or almost "pastel" in color, rather than the cabochons. (A cabochon is a rounded dome shape, flat on the back.)
All I can suggest is to ask the seller to see better pictures of the ACTUAL gem you'd be receiving in your ring. I noticed some of her other rings have moonstone cabochons---and those look very clear and nice. She uses her own "stock" photos so the actual gem you'd get might be very different than the one pictured. Like any gemstone, they're all unique!
Moonstones aren't graded like diamonds are, and so it's just a matter of what you like----but most people would want a moonstone that has bright flashes of blue that dances across the stone as it moves in the light. It's that "phantom glow" that makes moonstones so beautiful and popular.
Also, bear in mind that Rainbow Moonstone is a form of light-colored labradorite, and are in my opinion MORE beautiful than actual Moonstones. (The difference between the gems is very technical and confusing! But they are different.) Rainbow Moonstones can also be very transparent, and are difficult to differentiate from moonstones. But Rainbow Moonstones are somewhat less expensive than actual Moonstones, so you may want to keep that in mind when selecting a gem.
I realize this is very confusing---it's confusing to gemologists too! I tried to write about the difference between Moonstones and Rainbow Moonstones in my blog recently--and it was really hard to research and write! So I say, just purchase what you love! But just be sure to see many pictures of the actual gem you would be purchasing---just like if you would buy a gem in person and choose it yourself. The seller would be happy to send you as many pics as you need to decide!
(Her pictures seem really high-res and probably really look just like the gemstone did in person. But that is just one ring---each moonstone will look a little different, some clearer, some bluer, some cloudier.)
Thanks again!
-Dawn
Jolene, here's my post about Moonstones v. Rainbow Moonstones. They're different gems, but VERY similar. I hope this helps---but it's VERY confusing to tell the difference! To me, they're the same. There are a couple of pictures of nice quality faceted rainbow moonstones in this blog entry too. I hope this helps!
Deletehttp://invoguejewelry.blogspot.com/2017/02/moonstone-v-rainbow-moonstone-same-or.html
- Dawn :)
Not sure how to tell what beads I have. They have the glow of moonstone but have darker parts as well. Not sure how to add a photo.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteHi Dawn! I recently bought this ring and I just wanted to know if this was moonstone or not! http://depop.com/cheystarrh/cheystarrh-beautiful-moonstone-sterling-silver-ring
ReplyDeleteHi,Kelly! YES, that's a genuine moonstone--and it's very pretty!
DeleteThank you for asking! Enjoy your beautiful ring!
-Dawn
Hi there! Beautiful blog post :) I am considering purchasing a moonstone and I found two different items on etsy, and I wanted to ask if you would be willing to take a look as see if either looks like a real moonstone?
ReplyDelete1: https://www.etsy.com/listing/270193394/genuine-moonstone-rainbow-moonstone-blue?ref=shop_review
2: https://www.etsy.com/listing/293891025/genuine-moonstone-rainbow-moonstone-blue?ref=shop_review
Sam---yes, those are genuine Rainbow Moonstones! And at a great price!! I like the pear-shaped ones myself and I'm thinking about buying one without any chain---the reviews in their feedback are great as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading my blog, and for asking!
- Dawn :)
I just wanted to tell people that opalite isn't glass. There are pieces of glass sold that are called opalite, but it isn't. Opalite is opal, but manmade instead of taken out of nature.
ReplyDeleteSo the glass pieces are a ripoff of a ripoff
Hello, and thanks for your comment! The material that is sold as "Opalite" in jewelry that I've written about several times in my blog most definitely IS glass. It is NOT a gemstone, but is a trade name for a particular type of GLASS.
DeleteIf you are referring to Kyocera "synthetic" opals---those have been marketed as a manmade opal (manmade or lab-grown gems are known as "synthetic"). Synthetics MUST have the same chemical, physical and optical properties as the natural counterpart. Kyocera opals do look like opals, but don't contain water like natural opals and therefore are not the same. Here is a link to a study that determined that these are SIMULATED opals, and not synehtics. Per the GIA:
https://www.gia.edu/doc/Synthetic-or-Imitation-An-Investigation-of-the-Products-of-Kyocera-Corporation-That-Show-Play-Of-Color
The conclusion is that they are NOT true synthetic, or created, opals.
Opalite is a type of iridescent glass, made in Hong Kong, which is NOT a gemstone and is known as "opalite glass". Recently the word "glass" has been omitted from jewelers' descriptions, and unscrupulous sellers are trying to say this is a gem--often sold as "moonstone opal" and things like that. IT IS NOT. NOT EVER.
I hope this helps! And thanks for your comment.
I was hoping this was a natural moonstone bead necklace- yet received today and not sure. It is quite heavy, and I don't see any bubbles- I would appreciate if you would give your opinion? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Moonstone-Beaded-30-Necklace-1494/191964234384?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
ReplyDeleteAri, from those pictures, the beads don't really look like Opalite. They could be moonstones, but they don't look like moonstones really either! I can't tell. I don't see any sort of glow or flash in any of the pictures (not a white shimmering glow like in white moonstone or a blue flash of color, like in rainbow moonstone). When you shine a penlight or hold the beads in direct light like sunlight do you see any color flashes? Any shimmering glow that moves with the light? I'm sorry, but I think you'd have to have a jeweler take a look and examine them to be sure---sorry! Opalite glass looks different than those pictures show, but they could be another type of glass, another gemstone, or actual Moonstones---no way to tell for sure by those pictures.
DeleteI couldn't reply to you personally (no email address) so I'm limited here. But if you google images of "white moonstone beads" you can see what they should look like. And of course "opalite beads" would show you very glowing blue, glassy beads.
My opinion is----those are probably moonstones, maybe a low grade of moonstone, but possibly something else. I'm sorry I can't tell! But thanks for asking!
-Dawn
PS - If you find out for sure, please let me know!
Ari---for example, here's a link to some genuine moonstones that KIND OF look like your necklace. You can see them in person---do your beads look like these, with some slight flashes of color? Here's a link to some pictures:
Deletehttps://www.etsy.com/listing/291541683/moonstone-beads-round-moonstone-beads?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=A%20grade%20moonstone%20beads&ref=sr_gallery_4
Or this link that shows the "adularescence" (glow) in some white, peach and grey Moonstones:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/511375031/6mm-moonstone-beads-multicolor-moonstone?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=A%20grade%20moonstone%20beads&ref=sr_gallery_1
Maybe you can compare your necklace to these to determine if yours are moonstones. I hope this helps!
- D.
Dear Dawn: Thank-You so much for your help - I compared the others in references you posted to mine and saw they were not natural moonstones - I have sent them back to the seller for a refund.
ReplyDeleteAri, I'm sorry your moonstones weren't genuine---but I'm very glad you were able to return them and get a refund. Thank you so much for reading my blog, and best of luck in your quest for genuine moonstones!
ReplyDelete-Dawn :)
Hi, I wanted to make sure if this is a real moonstone. I have no other way but upload it in google for you to see it. I hope you could help me. It's a little cheap, I think so I am confused if it's genuine... Thank you in Advance.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.google.com/search?tbs=sbi:AMhZZitBfxL8V5UsPZFdkuCyAFgRVId607YCZ6GFtaPOGfAjgxISVNNgvn555C3fZZZv-k_139Xxhqmza1WaRZMcgp8KIZ7rBgrULcMDRbqD0RyJbckkpcViRE-RdjCWXW2XuucoNw_1I-m7oyvYE6NEHOwQ2traBHRLLMrO3jHNpm2sWdTkVoNTxQzEfTk5QHVo-BWJP1QMMgMCfvjJtpN00V5NWHEl8lPAhxjyVy40M2vBmvLzCNmauZIgDL22XdTNzr9xjb00Xsa4Heu3C9mK2L_11JyO_1lRgPCut7Di2ticgMPM-x76yzb2diW4LLsq7ksmpmPa6zzUlP59PBhCUHktxXT9mX0D2A&btnG=Search%20by%20image&hl=en
Hi, Dawn. I stumbled upon your blog while searching for Moonstones. I recently just got curious about it and I ordered a hand crafted necklace with a moonstone pendant. I didn't bother to check this before ordering so I wanted to know if this pendant is a real moonstone. I wish you could help me, I have read your descriptions but I guess, I still really don't know a lot about stones. :( Thank you, in advance. ^^
ReplyDeletehttps://www.google.com.ph/search?tbs=sbi:AMhZZitgpdB9th5VfBoj-HG8jNxfpxIillLpS1ikcE_1xhAMTt5r79BcZKo3Yjj_1Zn2eOmBA0LiovkACjwdoBIUpv3AaQgg8ejNKv0vXBHVGEPWtYsWHk_1Aglf0CnFecOzUEyVIbUtUZpX2qbVpPeN0qek78l3XYhmCOwV8MnRroUp_1joINg8IUDByc0eeUA8d93JPu8vGbR7PdDA2ZQiOuU2Jkr6KtiAkeXYNBwgLoTBXsTcVlNEkSffeiKeHT6x5CllKy1-ytcL58_1o5lDfs_13dKuKlXUM8UJVJQbaH7Ml9nUpDpiWeUyl-s36kvTqyDto05nq-TYZ9bhPCLP_18XOivjeuzIBQUXA&hl=en-PH
hi, Dawn! I bought a moonstone yesterday. I was going to get you to look at it, but I don't see any way of attaching a pic. Is there any other way I can send you one?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI subscrib to a magazine and was sent a piece of sunstone but I have had sunstones before and all the ones I have ever had are brown/orange. This peice they sent me is a pale cream color with white vines and black at one end. it looks more like moonstone then sunstone.
ReplyDeleteSo my question is do people rip others off buy selling moonstone as sunstone?
Well, "scammers gonna scam" I guess, but I've never heard of selling moonstone as sunstone before! They're both feldspar minerals, but are really the "opposite" just like the sun and moon. Sunstone, as you know, has glittery aventurescense, and moonstone has that moon-like glow called adularescense.
DeletePerhaps the seller sent you the wrong stone by mistake?
Here's the description of both stones via the GIA website (THE authority on gems):
"Although sunstone and moonstone are both members of the feldspar group, the resemblance stops there. While cool moonstone’s phenomenal varieties offer a soft and gentle adularescent glow, warm sunstone’s phenomenal varieties show a distinct and lively glitter called aventurescence. Aventurescence is a sparkly, metallic-looking luster caused by flat, reflective inclusions, sometimes called “schiller” by sunstone fanciers."
Thank you for your comment---and for reading my blog---and I hope you're able to return the moonstone! Just point the seller to this link if they try to argue with you:
https://www.gia.edu/sunstone-description
-Dawn
Wow, this has been very helpful! I am on my way to training myself to be a Felspar expert. Do you think this is moonstone?
ReplyDeletehttps://www.etsy.com/listing/286962531
YES! Those are genuine rainbow moonstone beads!
DeleteThank you so much for asking!
-Dawn
I went to a pawn shop and a guy walked in with the ring and of course the little Stone drawled me to it and the gentleman at the pawn shop said it was a moonstone so I traded him some old military money and Vietnam War money for this if you could take a glance at my little stand and let me know if it is a genuine Moonstone I'd really appreciate it., how do I send you a photo
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteCan you tell me what you think about this? It's hard for me to imagine any jeweler using synthetic moonstone in a 14k ring with diamond accents. This listing is at a pawn shop, with no actual jeweler on sight. A lot of their other gemstone rings are just described by color, as in blue gemstone ring or green gemstone ring. So it's entirely possible they don't know what they really are. I see no similarities to opalite in this photo. Is there another fake moonstone floating around out there? These supposedly synthetic stones look like high quality white moonstone cabs to me. I was just wanting your opinion. Thanks! https://www.buya.com/Item/Details/Synthetic-Moonstone-Lady-s-Stone-Diamond-Ring-2-Diamonds-02-Carat-T-W/9267eb007b494b22bffa8699948a5feb/206
ReplyDeleteHi, Keni Jane!
DeleteWell there really isn't any "synthetic moonstone"-----in the jewelry world, "synthetic" gems are lab-created gems, like synthetic sapphires for example. They're real sapphires but were grown in a lab, and are considered genuine gems but described as synthetic since they're not "mined" from the earth. There are no lab-created moonstones, so this pawn shop is wrong right from the start! If they are implying that this is something like Opalite, which is a sort of opalescent glass, this isn't that either.
So from looking at the picture, my first thought was that those were opals! When I enlarge it, it's really blurry but I THINK I see the blue flash seen in Moonstones.
But yes you're right, if it's set in solid 14k gold with diamond accents, those gems are most likely either genuine white Moonstones, or possibly Opals. They do look more like Moonstones as I stare at that picture! Either way, I'd think it's worth $50!!! It's pretty!
Thanks so much for asking!
Well I did a google image search of that ring and similar "toi et moi" (bypass) rings are seen, in both opals and moonstones. So it's just really hard to tell what that ring is, based on that one picture. Maybe it's possible to get the pawn shop to take a few more pictures? It really could be white opals, or white moonstones---and because most people know what an opal is, I'm guessing those are actual moonstones. There are no other types of moonstone simulants other than opalite or some other type of glass, though there are synthetic opals (and simulated opals).
DeleteThanks again! If you buy it and have a jeweler look at it, please let me know what they say!
Okay, so I offered them $40 online and they accepted. Since they were 30 minutes away, we just went ahead and did pick up, so I have the ring. They are definitely moonstones. But if they were round at one time, they definitely aren't now. Do you have an email where I can send you some pictures? It's kind of comical, but for $40 I really can't complain. Besides, I can always replace them with new stones if I decide it needs it. I might see if I can find a couple loose antique stones (white and gray)to replace them with. We'll see!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI got this ring at World Market of all places, and it wasn't until after I started getting into moonstone that I realized my favorite ring might be just that. I can see the layers and the flashes of blue in it. I really want to get some genuine moonstone rings, but if I happen to already have one, that would be just awesome! Can you tell me what you think?
ReplyDeletehttps://imgur.com/a/BYgZX
Amelia, that is certainly a beautiful rainbow moonstone!! At World Market?? I love that place and now I'll have to look more closely at their jewelry!
DeleteEnjoy your beautiful Moonstone ring, and thanks for sending the picture!
- Dawn :)
Hi Dawn,
ReplyDeleteI was wondering what exactly "cabochon" is meant to be. I bought a watch with a "blue moonstone" with the cat's eye effect, similar to the one featured here: https://www.google.com.au/search?q=blue+glass+with+moonstone+cats+eye&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=msLV6eusvE4ZyM%253A%252CWg6GNJM7m23VbM%252C_&usg=__0SLSIRMPQRGZJ-ORTxvtvhppnQw%3D&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjn9PfepvXZAhWMi7wKHYhMBw0Q9QEIMjAD#imgdii=o8hWrNcoE60w4M:&imgrc=1VfKq32iYJEDzM:
I'm thinking now that it's definitely glass. I love the cats eye flash though! How is that achieved, even if it is glass??
Thanks,
Sarah
Hi, Sarah!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your question! I'm going to write about chatoyant gems ("cat's eye") in my blog and will publish that in the next few days---it's almost done. I find the cat's eye glow in gemstones fascinating and beautiful! Many gemstones can have this effect---everything from Quartz (like Tiger's Eye) to Emeralds and Sapphires, Alexandrite, Tanzanite, Tourmaline, and many more. It's called cat's eye, or chatoyant gems, because it is a glowing "line" like the iris of a cat. It happens when there are horizontal crystals or fibers inside the gemstone that reflect the light as it moves. This is similar to asterism, or the "star" effect (like in star sapphires).
A cabochon is a gemstone cut---it's flatter on the bottom and domed on the top, smooth (unfaceted) and a cabochon really shows off the chatoyancy of a gemstone. Many gems are cut in cabochons, like Moonstones---domed, so the light enters the stone and creates that beautiful glow inside.
Moonstones can have a cat's eye glow, or even a star glow. Generally, the glow of a Moonstone (feldspar) or Rainbow Moonstone (labradorite) is called adularescence. This phenonemon looks like moonlight on water.
Glass can be manufactured with tiny filaments inside which can give it a cat's eye look. Manufacturers have been making this type of glass for a long time and can be found in vintage jewelry, such as many Czech glass stones. Manufacturers can make "simulants" of many gemstones---like a lot of the opals around today (are just glass with opalescent flecks inside---like in all those "opal Hamsa hands" etc.). Glass doesn't have any mineral crystal structures inside, whereas minerals (gemstones) do.
It's really hard to tell a genuine cat's eye gem from a glass stone! The only way to be sure is to have it looked at by a jeweler or gemologist, who can test the stone, or look at it under a microscope.
But the way I see it, if you really love something, does it really matter if it's glass or not? I just think jewelry is to be enjoyed and admired...it's beautiful and fun to look at and wear!
Thanks, Sarah! I hope you enjoy your beautiful watch which may or may not be a genuine moonstone---but you love it, and that's what matters!
- Dawn :)
Thanks so much for your detailed response Dawn. I do love it and I was thinking the same that I love it one way or the other...its the cat's eye effect that is so special to me :)
DeleteEnjoy your beautiful watch! I love cat's eye gems (and beads) too---they're fascinating!
DeleteHi there, I just saw this post and I am thinking this is just glass but would you be able to confirm please?
ReplyDeletehttps://www.etsy.com/au/listing/589275655/moonstone-opalite-necklace-pendant
Hello!
ReplyDeleteThat is not natural moonstone, but is opalite glass. It's pretty though...
Thanks for asking!
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI am a gemhunter in Portugal, and have found a number of gems including a new and exciting deposit of mountain turquoise. What is exciting is also due to the fact that the ancient peoples here used and treasured turquoise just as the american indians, Aztecs, Egygotians and others.
I also have found recently what I think might be moonstone. It is definitely not quartz, was found in a zone of Feltspar, and has a glow inside of it, so that you cannot see right through to what's behind it. However, I cannot see the layers. Here is a photo. What do you think? (I'm not sending it to a gemologist to pay money for what should be a simple matter to confirm or not!)
Many thanks, here is a picture and one also of the turquoise.
Tom G
link to photos:-
https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipNTa69shzrDQ1dmNteG3b2mtYv3aCcD66aoDhZi
Hi, Tom!
DeleteIt's great to be a "rock hound" or a gem hunter! And how lucky you are to live in beautiful Portugal---a great place to find gemstones!
I'm sorry--but your link above doesn't work (it might be a privacy issue via Google, but I'm not sure), but I did see the turquoise gem on your email. GORGEOUS! If you found a glowing gem rough among a zone of Feldspar, than it's very likely that you have either Moonstone or Rainbow Moonstone! Or possibly Labradorite. All are really lovely gemstones.
Thank you so much for reading my blog, Tom! Happy gem hunting!
- Dawn :)
Sorry for commenting so late but I ordered this and now I'm so paranoid that it's not actually moonstone. https://www.etsy.com/listing/481806961/moonstone-ring-solid-gemstone-band-solid?ref=search_recently_viewed-4 Could you take a look? As your eyes are probably much more discerning then mine.
ReplyDeleteHi!
DeleteI'm sorry, but that's not moonstone---that's opalite. Moonstones are gemstones and are cut in ovals, rounds, cabochons--things like that...just like you'd never see a genuine ruby or emerald cut in a ring!
If you bought the ring and and like how it looks when you get it, then enjoy your ring! At under $10, that's a pretty ring (even though it's opalite glass) and you can wear it without worrying about it getting stolen or lost. After all, jewelry is fun to look at and wear--and if you like it, enjoy wearing it! But it's not moonstone.
I'm sorry---but thank you for asking!
-Dawn
I am genuinely disappointed that it isn't moonstone as this is the first ring I've ever bought. Sad feelings all around.
DeleteAlso wouldn't glass break if you tried to cut it like that?
DeleteGlass is very versatile and is faceted and cut all the time! Think of cut-glass goblets or vases, or Swarovski crystal pendants, or faceted crystal rings that look like diamonds, or carved glass skulls and other figurines. Glass is also poured into molds when it's hot. Perhaps your opalite ring was carved, or maybe poured into a mold---I'm not sure. But it's really a pretty iridescent glass, and I'm sure you'll enjoy wearing it. It looks very blue when held against a dark background, and will be golden-white when against a light background. Glass isn't really that fragile, so it can be faceted or cut or polished. It can get scratches in it though. I saw a "recipe" for opalite, and it had about 12 different ingredients in it--some of them harden the glass so it's pretty durable.
DeleteIf you're unhappy with your ring, you can always send it back and get a refund. I'm sure the seller would be happy to refund you, and if not, Etsy will make sure you receive a refund---and if you used Paypal, they also offer purchase protection.
If you want to buy a genuine moonstone, or rainbow moonstone, look for gems that are "cabochon" cuts (which are domed and are round, oval, even sometimes square) and are never perfectly transparent. These would be set into a typical ring setting (prongs or bezel) in silver or gold. There will be white "lines" that you can see in the gem most of the time, and flashes of blues and other colors when it's in direct light.
But don't be disappointed---think of this as a learning experience! I'm sorry that people online will sell things as "moonstone" when it isn't, but that's why I started my blog---to try to help people make informed purchases.
Otherwise, I hope you enjoy your ring! It's pretty!
Thanks again,
-Dawn
Hi Dawn, I bought these thinking they are labradorite but I believe now I got it wrong, can you please have alook and let me know what you think? thanks Lisa
ReplyDeletehttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1rl1K4-xqerJVCvpndb9AD9XYbwZ3sj6-/view?usp=drivesdk
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TapCQDBMmocoF_o2m7li6bE7wyaQppTi/view?usp=drivesdk
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pZQyCl3Xphx1VwOFucvgzSuXURbbtyjV/view?usp=drivesdk
Hi, Lisa!
DeleteThe first link worked but I got an "access denied" on the other 2 pictures. However, I can see in the first picture that those are genuine Rainbow Moonstones! And Rainbow Moonstone is a variety of Labradorite! They're definitely not opalite glass---so that's great news! I'm pretty sure those are set in sterling silver, too. VERY nice!
Thanks for asking, Lisa! Those are some great looking earrings---I hope you enjoy wearing them!
-Dawn :)
Thanks Dawn!, I'm glad they are genuine stones, since they are small studs I'm also wearing them while sleeping, and I got many wild dreams since having them. maybe they need some proper energy cleaning!!
DeleteHello I have a gemstone which I am not sure if it is moonstone or opalite. If I send a picture could u recognise
ReplyDeleteSure---I'd be happy to take a look! You can post it here, or send it directly to my email: WabiSabiChic@gmail.com.
Deletethanks a LOT... I was about to buy one thinking it is a stone
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I could help, Aiyra! Opalite (even though it's glass) is really pretty though---it's fun to wear it anyway!
Delete-- Dawn :)
The cracks you mentioned about the moonstone. Would they appear as if there was a line going thru it or do they have a crack looking appearance?? I would send u a pic of it just don't have the means to do so. Your article is very informative! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHello!
DeleteIf you look at the pictures I've posted here in this blog post, you can see the lines and "cracks" in genuine Moonstone. At the very top of this post is a picture of a Moonstone with very distinct lines. The pictures of more transparent moonstone about halfway down show the white "lines" and "clouds" inside the gems. Sometimes you can see only one line in a Moonstone. Sometimes there are many lines and cracks. In contrast, opalite is translucent or transparent without any lines or layers inside. I hope this helps! And thanks for asking!
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI recently bought a moonstone that has a cat's eye effect but I want to know your opinion if it really is a moonstone or a catseye stone. How do I send you a picture?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteVadi, I have no way to reach you other than via my blog---I hope you see this! In addition to giving you my email, I wanted to just say that yes there are cat's eye moonstones, just like other gemstones (like quartz, corundum, apatite, etc.) and here is some good information about moonstones---including pictures of genuine cat's eye moonstones:
Deletehttps://www.gemselect.com/gem-info/cats-eye-moonstone/cats-eye-moonstone-info.php
Thanks again!
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI recently bought a bracelet made out of moonstone but I think it's opalite because it's pretty clear. The thing is that it has a weird golden glow in the sunlight and I wanned to ask if that is specific to an opalite or it's actually something else
(I wrote this message over and over again showing me an error to send it so idk if the last one showed up)
Hope you see this, I have a really big colection of minerals and gemstones, and it would be really sad for my forth attempt to buy a real moonstone and fail again
Hi, Maria!
DeleteI can't say for sure without seeing a picture of your bracelet, but it sounds like opalite. Opalite has a golden look in bright light and will have an overall blue look when held against a dark background or when worn, whereas Moonstones have that distinctive movement of color in bright light--sometimes a white glow (like moonlight), sometimes blue, or other colors. If you look at my pictures here of opalite and then genuine Moonstones, does it look like those pictures? I googled some images of "opalite in sunlight" and the top row shows some great pics of opalite, especially the picture of the pendulum shaped ones:
https://www.google.com/search?q=opalite+in+sunlight&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjn7f-QvtPbAhXGh1QKHR9MDLcQ_AUICygC&biw=1174&bih=631
(I think you can copy and paste that link)
I can't think of another gemstone that looks like that in sunlight...but if you'd like to send a picture of your bracelet, I'd be happy to take a look! My email is InVogueJewelry@gmail.com.
Thanks, Maria!
-Dawn
Hello!
ReplyDeleteWould love to know if these are real moonstone?
1) https://www.etsy.com/listing/555211694/215-gram-genuine-blue-fire-rainbow?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=genuine%20moonstone%20pendant&ref=sr_gallery-4-23
2) https://www.etsy.com/listing/467188054/rainbow-moonstone-necklace-moonstone
3) https://www.etsy.com/listing/526844529/raw-moonstone-necklace-gold-filled?ref=related-1
Any help would be greatly appreciated...looking forward to hearing good news!
Thanks!
Hi, Michelle!
Delete(1) That's genuine Rainbow Moonstone!
(2) That's genuine Rainbow Moonstone!
(3) That's genuine Rainbow Moonstone!
So that's great news----all genuine Rainbow Moonstone gemstones!
Thanks for asking!
-Dawn
Hello! thank you so much for doing this. I can see some inclusions in this but was wondering if you could confirm this one?
ReplyDeletehttps://www.etsy.com/listing/469546165/sterling-silver-rainbow-moonstone-ring?ref=shop_home_active_22
Also, just throwing this out there - is there any way you could tell the authenticity of fire opal as well? If not, no worries!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/618725169/fire-opal-engagement-ring-chloe-made-to?ref=shop_home_active_8
Hi, Constance!
DeleteYes, that's a genuine Rainbow Moonstone ring! And a very interesting and lovely custom setting!!
The Chloe opeal ring---Yes, it's a genuine Ethiopian opal ring! And a beautiful one at that. Ethiopian opals are SO beautiful and there's a lot of fire and flash in them.
Thanks so much for asking!
- Dawn :)
Hi, I have just purchased one on Ebay, very difficult to tell so I need your help please. I have contacted the seller and awaiting a reply.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
Deletehello how can I get a pic of my stone to you its clear but not really looks like clear and milky lots of cracks threw the stone no bubbles shines with color depending how it hits the light its more blues but sometimes looks like other colors kinda hard to explain
ReplyDeleteHi is Israeli moonstone actually moonstone?
ReplyDeleteThanks
Moonstone can be found in lots of locations all around the world. I can't find any specific information about moonstones in Israel (no commercial mines) but it's very possible that there are moonstones there--I don't know either way. I've also never heard of any sort of glass material given the name "Israeli Moonstone" and can't find it at all online. If you have a link to this, please send it to me! I'd love to check it out.
DeleteThanks for asking!
I am very happy to have found this blog on my first google hit. I was wondering if you could identify the following link as either genuine or fake moonstone please.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.aliexpress.com/item/Charms-Silver-Color-Tree-of-Life-Wire-Wrap-Drop-Pendant-Pendulum-Opal-Moonstone-Stone-Pendants-Amulet/32944824190.html?spm=a2g0s.13010208.99999999.269.6e083c00I7K80x
Hi, Kelvin!
DeleteI'm so glad you found my blog and thank you for asking! I looked at that pendant, and I'm sorry to say that it's definitely NOT genuine moonstone, but is "opalite" which is glass. It seems like sellers are calling opalite "opal moonstone" (rather than just "moonstone") and it's neither opal nor moonstone, but just glass. It's pretty though!
Thanks again for asking!
Hello Dawn!!! I've been looking at your post for days trying to figure this out. Do you think this https://www.etsy.com/listing/639116774/rainbow-moonstone-ring-oval-stone-ring?ref=user_profile&frs=1 is real moonstone? It is advertised as rainbow moonstone, but I think it is normal moonstone (which is what I'm looking for, anyway).
ReplyDeleteHi, Bree!
DeleteYes, that's a genuine Rainbow Moonstone. I wrote about the difference between Moonstones and Rainbow Moonstones and here's a link:
https://invoguejewelry.blogspot.com/2017/02/moonstone-v-rainbow-moonstone-same-or.html
As you can see in that post, and by looking at the pictures of Rainbow Moonstone, there is sometimes no way to know if a stone is a Moonstone (orthoclase Feldspar) or Rainbow Moonstone (a difference species of Feldspar) unless it's tested by a gemologist.
So if the seller is listing it as "Rainbow Moonstone" I'm pretty sure it is. The seller probably bought it as that from a reputable dealer.
I hope this helps! Thanks again for asking, Bree!
Hi, wondering if you would be able to tell if this seller sells genuine gemstones. I have already bought a rose quartz and when I gently tried to is a corner of it to scratch glass, it chipped amd also didnt seem to scratch. I'm wondering if they are genuine, and if the moonstones are genuine bc I like the look of the ring setting. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHello!
DeleteThere is no link to the ring you've mentioned so I can't answer your question. If you can send that, I can look! Also you're right that quartz should scratch glass but I'm not sure what type of glass you used, or if the stone had a crack or something---I wish I had more info! Please contact me with a link and I'll see if I can help. Thanks!
Hello Dawn,
ReplyDeleteFirst, I want to say thank you for having this blog up, it really helps!
And I've been looking around to see if I can find a nice ring. They say on their website that everything is genuine, but I just want to make sure before I buy anything since on the internet anyone can say anything.
https://moonmagic.com/products/moonstone-ring-yonder-glow?variant=383491145734
Thank you so much!
Hello!
DeleteYES, that's a genuine moonstone! It's a lovely ring, very delicate, and unusual because the moonstone is faceted! (Usually they're smooth cabochons.) So I vote YES--it's a beautiful ring, genuine, and nicely made.
Thanks so much for asking!
https://etsy.me/2GefrlO
ReplyDeleteIs it original?
Hi!
ReplyDeleteYes, that's a genuine moonstone!
Thank you for asking!
Hi I ordered some “blue fire flashing rainbow moonstone” and am now curious as to if they are real, is there a way to post a picture?
ReplyDeleteYes, you can email me directly at invogueblogger@gmail.com and I'll take a look, and answer you via email!
DeleteThanks for asking!
Hi!
ReplyDeleteThanks for these informations.
Do you think that this is a genuine moonstone ring?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/925-Sterling-Silver-Natural-RAINBOW-MOONSTONE-Gemstone-Cute-Ring-Choose-All-Size/131961856584?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20180816085401%26meid%3D75bffe9084fc429a9cd68b8e50296bbc%26pid%3D100970%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D15%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D131961856584%26itm%3D131961856584&_trksid=p2481888.c100970.m5481&_trkparms=pageci%3A6c30b23f-6368-11e9-8c05-74dbd180ed12%7Cparentrq%3A3abc3a7616a0abc2ce1a7da7ffe6156b%7Ciid%3A1
Hi!
DeleteThe ring pictured is a genuine moonstone.
Thank you for asking!
Hello Dawn, I just bought this moonstone online but it feels like plastic to me would you please take a look? thank you.
ReplyDeletehttps://ibb.co/8KtP9V3
Kindly email me at invogueblogger@gmail.com
DeleteHi..I recently bought a necklace it's very pretty but looks like a cross between moonstone , opalite or possibly even opal...how can I tell?
ReplyDeletePlease send a pic to invogueblogger@gmail.com and I'll take a look! Thanks
Delete