Chatoyance and Asterism


Some specimens of moonstone can be cut to yield a cabochon that exhibits chatoyance (cat’s-eye moonstone) or four-ray asterism (star moonstone). When properly cut, gems that display these phenomena can be beautiful and highly desirable. An accompanying photo shows a very nice example of a transparent cat’s-eye moonstone. Another accompanying photo shows a milky white moonstone cabochon that exhibits four-ray asterism.

Star Stones: Star Moonstone - Vienna Gem Center
Star Moonstone: A translucent white moonstone cabochon that exhibits asterism through a white four-ray star. This stone weighs 11.16 carats and measures 15.2 x 13.4 x 7.5 millimeters.

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