Moonstone price: what a moonstone is worth per carat
Moonstone is valued for adularescence — the floating billowy sheen across its surface. The finest show a vivid blue glow over a transparent, colourless body.
What drives moonstone price
Moonstone is a feldspar cut as cabochons and prized for adularescence: a soft, floating light that appears to glow from within. The most valuable combination is a vivid blue sheen over a colourless, transparent body — often called "blue moonstone."
Sheen, body & type
- Blue moonstone — strong blue adularescence over a water-clear body is the top grade and increasingly scarce.
- White moonstone — silvery-white sheen; common and affordable.
- Rainbow moonstone — actually a labradorite, showing multicolour flashes; popular and valued on the strength and range of colour.
Clarity, cut & size
A clean, transparent body lets the sheen float freely, so transparency raises value; cloudy stones are worth less. A well-centred cabochon that positions the sheen is important. Large fine blue moonstones are scarce.
Moonstone price — frequently asked questions
What is the most valuable moonstone?
Blue moonstone — a vivid blue adularescent sheen over a transparent, colourless body. Fine material is increasingly scarce and commands the highest prices.
What is adularescence?
The billowy, floating light or sheen that appears to glow from inside a moonstone as it moves. Its strength and colour drive value.
Is rainbow moonstone a real moonstone?
It is a labradorite feldspar marketed as rainbow moonstone, showing multicolour flashes. It is popular and valued on the range and strength of its colour play.
How much is moonstone per carat?
White moonstone is affordable; fine blue moonstone commands much higher per-carat prices. Use the calculator to estimate your stone.
Indicative trade information from the Gem Index universal pricing engine — not a formal appraisal or laboratory certificate. Wholesale, USD. Species, treatment and origin should be confirmed by an accredited gem laboratory before sale. See our full disclaimer and methodology.