Moonstone (rare ''Cat's Eye'' gem)

Item Description

Moonstone is not a species, but rather a varietal name given to translucent opalescent Feldspar (typically Microcline or rarely Orthoclase). Typically the stones are polished in cabochons, but every once in a while they will show a rare "cat's eye" effect. We haven't had many of these to offer in recent years, - we had some about 15 years ago, and then nothing for a long time - but this is one of the very few we've had to offer in the auctions. This stone is a lovely "Oval Cabochon" cut gem that shows a distinct "eye" (best seen with a singular concentrated light source) running the length of the gem. When it is viewed in reflected light, the surface of the stone exhibits a slight "sheen". This is a very attractive and hard to find Moonstone that I would say is desirable among collectors.

From the old inventory of Ray Zajicek, a respected wholesaler and founding member of AGTA and the International Colored Gemstone Association, with decades of experience in the gem and jewelry business.  Ray has won more than a dozen Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards (TM).