2.98 ct. Malagasy 'Rainbow' Moonstone
Color: Colorless / Play-of-Color
Clarity: Eye Clean
Origin: Madagascar
Cut: Pear Mixed
Treatments: None
Measurements: 10.7 x 9.4 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.
This is from the fresh new find of material in Madagascar, one that is already beginning to set the precedent by which these will be judged for years to come. Large and clean examples are always tough, but now is the time if you can find them. Whether of not production continues for a bit, or is entirely over, you will not be disappointed if you pick up one of these. This lovely stone is of a fine size and a particularly fine range of color - very much at the top end of the quality for this unique material. It looks great even in low light as the spectral flash is particularly easy to see with just a little movement. Larger size and loupe clean - a magnificent gem!