The Ultimate Buying Guide for Moonstone (Chandramani) in India
Moonstone, known in India as the mystical Chandramani stone, is a gemstone celebrated for its ethereal glow. It possesses a unique optical phenomenon called adularescence—a billowy, moonlight-like sheen that glides across the stone’s surface. As a powerful Upratna (substitute gemstone) for Pearl (Moti), it is worn to harness the calming energies of the Moon. This expert guide provides in-depth knowledge on how to evaluate its signature glow, understand its varieties, and buy an authentic Moonstone with complete confidence.
The finest Moonstone is prized for its transparent body and intense blue sheen.
Moonstone (Chandramani) at a Glance
| Gemstone Family | Feldspar |
| Indian Name | Chandramani |
| Astrological Role | Upratna for the Moon (Chandra) |
| Metaphysical Properties | Emotional Balance, Intuition, New Beginnings |
| Hardness | 6 – 6.5 on the Mohs Scale (Requires careful handling) |
The Astrological Significance of Chandramani and How to Wear It
In Vedic astrology, Moonstone is a highly effective Upratna for Pearl, used to pacify a malefic Moon or strengthen a weak one in a horoscope. It is worn to calm the mind, control anger, and enhance intuition and creativity.
Astrological Rules for Wearing a Moonstone (Chandramani)
| Who Should Wear It? | Recommended for individuals seeking emotional stability and mental peace. Especially beneficial for Cancer (Karka), Scorpio (Vrishchika), and Pisces (Meena) ascendants. |
| Which Finger? | The little finger of the right (working) hand. |
| Best Metal? | Silver is the most recommended metal as it corresponds with lunar energies. |
| When to Wear? | On a Monday evening, during the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase). |
| Energizing Ritual (Prana Pratishtha) | Before wearing, the ring should be cleansed in Gangajal or raw cow’s milk and energized by chanting the Chandra mantra “Om Chandraya Namah” (ॐ चंद्राय नमः) 108 times. |
How to Buy an Original Moonstone: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Evaluate the Adularescence (The Sheen)
The most important quality factor for a Moonstone is its adularescence. This is the billowy, mobile, blue or white light that seems to float just beneath the stone’s surface. A top-quality stone will have:
- A Strong Blue Sheen: The most valuable moonstones exhibit a deep and saturated blue sheen that is visible from a wide range of viewing angles.
- Centered Sheen: The glow should be centered on the top of the cabochon and should be easily visible.
- Clarity: The body of the stone should be as transparent and free of inclusions as possible to allow the adularescence to shine without obstruction.
Step 2: Understand Moonstone Origins and Their Characteristics
The origin of a Moonstone can influence its quality.
- Sri Lanka: The world’s most renowned source for the finest moonstones. Sri Lankan moonstones are famous for their transparent bodies and exceptional, vivid blue sheen.
- India: India is another major source, producing beautiful moonstones that often have a slightly cloudier or milkier body with a white or silvery sheen.
- Madagascar & Tanzania: These African sources also produce high-quality moonstones, often with a good blue sheen.
Step 3: Assess the Body Color and Clarity
The ideal Moonstone has a completely colorless and transparent body, which provides the best background for the blue sheen to stand out. Stones with a milky, cloudy, or brownish body color are less valuable.
Step 4: Examine the Cut and Shape
To best display the adularescence, Moonstone is always cut into a cabochon. The cut is critical; the base of the cabochon must be parallel to the layers that create the sheen, and the dome must be high enough to display the effect fully.
Step 5: Understand Pricing Factors
The moon stone price is determined by the intensity of its adularescence.
- Sheen: The strength, color (blue is best), and visibility of the sheen are the most important price factors.
- Clarity: A more transparent, inclusion-free body commands a higher price.
- Size: The price per carat for top-quality, blue-sheen moonstone increases significantly for stones over 5 carats.
Step 6: Verify Authenticity (Natural vs. Imitations)
Expert Insight: The most common imitation of Moonstone is a man-made glass called Opalite. Opalite has a milky, uniform glow but lacks the mobile, directional sheen of a real Moonstone. A genuine Moonstone’s adularescence will move and change as you tilt the stone; Opalite’s glow is static.
Step 7: Purchase from a Reputable Seller
Crucial Advice: Always buy from a trusted dealer who can provide a certificate from a reputable gemological laboratory. This is the only way to be certain you are buying a natural Moonstone and not an imitation.
Why Trust Ratna Gems for Your Moonstone?
At Ratna Gems, we are committed to providing authentic, high-quality astrological gemstones with complete transparency. We are your trusted source because we offer:
- Certified Authentic Moonstone: Every Chandramani stone is certified by a recognized lab and comes with a Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee.
- Transparent and Honest Pricing: We offer competitive prices for genuine Moonstone with full disclosure on quality and origin.
- Unmatched Customer Support: Our experts are here to guide you, and our 7-day return policy ensures your complete satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Moonstone and Opalite?
Moonstone is a natural feldspar mineral that exhibits a mobile, directional sheen (adularescence). Opalite is a man-made glass that has a uniform, milky glow that does not move or shift as you tilt the stone. They are very different materials.
Is a Blue Sheen Moonstone better for astrology?
Astrologically, the quality of the gemstone is what matters most. A Moonstone with a strong, clear adularescence (whether blue or white) and good transparency is considered the most effective for harnessing the energies of the Moon.
Is Moonstone suitable for daily wear?
Moonstone is a relatively soft stone (6-6.5 on the Mohs scale) and can be prone to scratching or chipping. It is best suited for pendants and earrings, or for rings that are worn with care.
How should I care for my Moonstone jewelry?
Clean your Moonstone gently with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Never use ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners. Store it separately in a soft pouch to prevent it from being scratched by other jewelry.
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