How Much Is Moonstone Worth ?

Let’s talk moonstone.

Now, if you’ve ever come across this gemstone, you know exactly why people are drawn to it — it has this ethereal glow, a soft shimmer that looks almost magical.

It’s one of those stones that instantly transports you to another world, especially when the light hits it just right, revealing that inner “moonlight” effect, known as adularescence.

But here’s the question that inevitably comes up: how much is moonstone actually worth?

I’m here to break it all down for you in a way that makes sense.

I’ve been working with gemstones long enough to know that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this.

Moonstone, in particular, can vary widely in price depending on a number of factors.

But if you're serious about buying moonstone, whether for jewelry or investment, understanding what affects its value will help you make the right choice.

Buckle up, because we’re going on a journey through the world of moonstones — from mystical history to market trends, I’ve got you covered.

My First Moonstone Purchase — An Unexpected Experience

I still remember my first time buying moonstone.

I was relatively new to the gemstone business, and I wanted to add something unique to my collection.

I’d seen all the typical gems — diamonds, rubies, sapphires — but I was looking for something different, something that told a story.

A supplier mentioned moonstone, and I thought, "Sure, I’ll give it a look."

I wasn’t expecting much.

But when I saw it in person? Wow.

The shimmer, that mysterious blue glow, it was mesmerizing.

The piece I saw wasn’t even particularly high-end, but it had that magic about it.

I bought it immediately, and that was my first lesson in the power of moonstone.

What Exactly is Moonstone?

Before we dive into prices, let’s talk a bit about what moonstone is.

Moonstone is a variety of the mineral feldspar, and it gets its name from the mysterious, almost magical glow that emanates from within the stone — a phenomenon known as adularescence.

It’s that dreamy shimmer, like light reflecting off water or — you guessed it — moonlight.

The stone has been adored for thousands of years, appearing in everything from ancient Roman jewelry to modern engagement rings.

You can find moonstones in a variety of colors, though the most common are colorless to white with that signature blue sheen.

But moonstone also comes in shades of peach, gray, green, and even rainbow, each variety with its own charm and, of course, price point.

Factors That Affect the Value of Moonstone

So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what affects moonstone’s price.

When you’re assessing how much a moonstone is worth, there are several things to look at:

1. Clarity

One of the first things I noticed when I started buying moonstone is that clarity plays a huge role in its value.

Ideally, a high-quality moonstone should be nearly transparent with a strong adularescence — that’s the shimmering light effect.

The clearer the stone, the higher its price.

Cloudy or milky moonstones, while still beautiful, are generally less valuable.

And if the stone has a lot of inclusions (those little internal flaws or cracks), it will bring the value down.

That said, I’ve come across a few milky moonstones with such a gorgeous glow that they still fetched a decent price, so there’s always some room for personal preference.

2. Color and Adularescence

Here’s where moonstone really shines — literally.

The color and the quality of the adularescence make or break the value.

The most prized moonstones have a translucent body and a strong blue sheen.

That blue flash is what collectors are after, and the more intense the blue, the more valuable the stone.

A pale or weak adularescence might look pretty, but it won’t command the same price.

Rainbow moonstones — which exhibit a range of colors beyond just blue — are also highly sought after, particularly if the colors are vibrant and well-defined.

3. Cut

Cutting moonstone is tricky.

Because of the way the stone interacts with light, it’s important for the cutter to maximize the adularescence by cutting the stone in just the right way.

Moonstones are typically cut en cabochon (smooth and rounded on top), which helps showcase the internal glow.

A poorly cut moonstone can dull the adularescence, which in turn decreases the value.

I’ve seen some moonstones that were clearly mishandled during cutting, and they looked flat and lifeless, even though the raw material might have been high quality.

So, trust me when I say: the cut matters.

4. Size

Like most gemstones, size affects the value of moonstone.

Larger moonstones are rarer, especially those with good clarity and strong adularescence.

A large, high-quality moonstone can easily sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars per carat, while smaller stones tend to be more affordable.

That said, a small moonstone with an intense blue sheen can still be worth a lot if the quality is top-notch.

How Much is Moonstone Worth?

Alright, let’s get down to numbers.

How much can you expect to pay for moonstone?

Prices for moonstone vary based on the factors we’ve discussed, but here’s a rough breakdown:

High-Quality Blue Moonstone: For top-tier moonstones with exceptional blue adularescence, prices can range anywhere from $50 to $500 per carat, depending on the size and clarity.
Rainbow Moonstone: These are a bit more affordable, but high-quality specimens with vibrant colors can still fetch between $30 to $200 per carat.
Lesser Quality Moonstone: For moonstones with weaker adularescence or more inclusions, prices generally range from $10 to $50 per carat.

Of course, if you’re looking at finished pieces of jewelry, expect the price to go up significantly.

Moonstone engagement rings, for example, can easily range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the size and quality of the stone.

Moonstone’s Mystical and Cultural Significance

Aside from its beauty, moonstone has a rich cultural and mystical history, which also plays into its value.

In many cultures, moonstone is believed to be a stone of inner growth and strength.

It’s often associated with the moon (no surprise there) and is thought to enhance intuition and emotional balance.

Personally, I’ve always loved the mythology surrounding moonstone.

It’s said to bring good fortune and is often given as a gift during milestones or life changes, which only adds to its appeal as a stone of new beginnings.