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Home > Moonstone > 5 Ways to Tell if moonstone is Real

5 Ways to Tell if moonstone is Real

The majority of moonstone available in the market is actually white labradorite, also known as Rainbow Moonstone. The rarity of real moonstone makes it costly, prompting the widespread use of the more affordable labradorite. Moonstone is also imitated using materials such as Glass or plastic. It is wise to buy from reputable retailers and, if feasible, request a certificate from a gem testing laboratory. Here are some handy tips to help you initially discern the authenticity of moonstone.

1. Check Product Name

When purchasing Moonstone, watch for terms like "Rainbow Moonstone" in product name. It is usually not real Moonstone but rather white labradorite. Moreover, "Opalite Moonstone" in the product name indicates that the item is a plastic or glass imitation.

2. Check the Color

Real: Real Moonstone gemstone is known for the optical phenomenon called "adularescence." This gives it a billowy, floating light effect with blue or white color sheen, that appears to emanate from inside the stone.
Fake: Rainbow Moonstone exhibits an optical effect called "labradorescence." This causes that an iridescent flashes may display multicolor such as yellow, orange, and blue.

3. Inspect the Inclusions

Real: Real Moonstone gemstones rarely contain black impurities, milky inclusions, or gas bubbles.
Fake: Rainbow Moonstone often contains milky inclusions, black tourmaline, and internal fractures. Gas bubbles may occasionally be visible in glass imitation.

4. Hardness Test

Real: Real Moonstone can scratch a glass plate.
Fake: Fake Moonstone made from glass or plastic (Opalite) can not scratch a glass plate.

5. Touch Test

Real: Real Moonstone feels cold to the touch.
Fake: Plastic-made fakes feel warm to the touch.
Moonstone
Moonstone
A species of Orthoclase, also known as Star Moonstone, Feldspath Nacré, Chandrakanta
Scientific name: Moonstone
Mineral: Orthoclase
Description
Description
Moonstone consists of two feldspar minerals appearing in alternating layers. When light falls between these thin layers, it appears to billow across the gem. Ancient Romans thought it was formed from frozen moonlight. The best moonstone has a colorless body and a blue sheen. It is a birthstone for the month of June.
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