Photographs rarely do moonstone justice, and at 17.80 carats this one deserves a proper look in daylight when it arrives. The body is milky white with a bluish adularescence, the soft glow that sits just under the surface and shifts as you tilt it. It is translucent and comes from Ceylon (Sri Lanka).

Among the Ceylon moonstones we list, small differences in sheen and body colour separate one stone from the next, so it is worth comparing a few before you settle. At this size the sheen is easy to see.

Setting and care

Mohs hardness is 6 to 6.5. For a stone this large, a silver pendant is the safest setting; a ring should have a bezel that covers the edges. Wash it only in lukewarm soapy water and dry it with a soft cloth.

Moonstone is rarely treated. For our notes on this exact stone, message us on WhatsApp. Independent lab testing is available to you if you want it. Reference: AG-000417.

Order now and pay on delivery after checking the stone. Within Karachi it takes about 1–2 working days, Lahore, Islamabad and the other major cities 2–4, and you have a full 7 days to return it. Our moonstone guide is a useful read.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural moonstone with a weight of 17.8 Carat. Its price is Rs. 12,380 — roughly Rs. 696 for each carat. Origin: Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-000417 when you message us about it. The photographs show this exact stone, so what arrives at your door is the piece you chose on screen.

Above twelve carats you are into collector territory. Pieces this heavy are usually set as pendants or kept loose, and they are prized for the size of rough they came from. If you do set it, choose a bezel or a heavy claw to protect the edges.

On the Mohs scale moonstone rates 6 to 6.5. That is middle-of-the-road hardness: comfortable in pendants and earrings, and in rings worn with some care. Store it apart from harder stones so it does not pick up scratches, and wipe it with a damp cloth rather than scrubbing.

Whoever you buy moonstone from, make sure of three things: the stone is natural rather than lab-grown, glass or glass-filled; any treatment is stated in writing; and the weight quoted is the weight of the finished stone. We check every moonstone for those three points before it is listed, and because you pay on delivery you can look at the stone — or have it tested — before any money changes hands.

We sell natural stones only and inspect each one before it is listed. Treatment for this stone: Treatment not tested. No lab report yet; independent testing welcome. As general background (not a statement about this stone): Moonstone is usually untreated. Ask us on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we know about this exact stone; independent lab testing is available on request.

A certificate of authenticity is available on request for this stone, and independent laboratory testing can be arranged. Because you pay on delivery, you can also take the stone to a lab of your choice within the 7-day return window. Read more on our authenticity page.