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.
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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