2.16 ct. Malagasy 'Rainbow' Moonstone
Color: Colorless / Play-of-Color
Clarity: Eye Clean to Slightly Included
Origin: Madagascar
Cut: Cushion Brilliant
Treatments: None
Measurements: 10 x 7.1 mm
If you have seen a true 'Rainbow' Moonstone, then you know that it is a superb material. Now, this term does require some explanation as it is something of a misnomer that has stuck over the years. Mineralogically, this is not Moonstone (Orthoclase) but another Feldspar entirely - Labradorite. That much can generally be forgiven as the Feldspar family is a large and complex one, and even visually this bears more resemblance to a classic Moonstone than a Labradorite. However, when this material was first found a couple of decades back in Southern India it was indeed found to be Labradorite, albeit a rather unique variety.
This type is something of a hybrid - it looks like a faceted Moonstone with its clarity and bodycolor, but the color flash is much more spectral than the typically billowy silver-gray and blue of Moonstone. It has the full flash of Labradorite. Unfortunately nearly every Moonstone has become a 'rainbow' one in the trade, but the name should be reserved for these truly resplendent examples. Once you see on of these and there dramatic rainbow of colors, you will not forget it. This magnificent stone is one of the very best of its kind - entirely clean, well cut and with a full spectral display of color that is unmistakable. Absolute top quality in all regards; a quality that is exceptionally hard to find now. The best of the best in a popular shape and great 2 carat size.