Everything about inclusions in your Moonstones (or other gems)

Inclusions are natural materials within a mineral itself that is at the point of formation of that stone. They can be various bubbles, cracks, bends, black flecks, voids, and even insects – for example, in amber. There are many kinds of inclusions in minerals. It is worth noting that inclusions in many stones are an advantage and even determine the price of the stone. For example, insects in amber are very valuable. In rutile quartz, long needle-like inclusions are actually something that is preferred. Also, thin inclusions can be found in garnet, which is highly prized.

At the same time, there are stones with inclusions that are considered unsuitable for jewelry. Inclusions in diamonds, for example, are not something that is desired.

Some inclusions are readily apparent when one looks at the stone, while others can be seen only with a loupe or microscope. 

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Why do inclusions make a stone unique?

Natural inclusions are a certain indicator of the uniqueness of a mineral because there is simply no second inclusion of the same kind. Inclusions show the naturalness of a mineral and its thousand-year history of formation. Gemologists can even determine by inclusions where the stone was formed. 

Inclusions in Moonstones

Moonstones often have various inclusions, such as:
Small "cracks" created by delamination pressure and showing uneven growth of the mineral. Such inclusions are called "millipedes". This is the most common type of inclusion in moonstone.

• Inclusions of other minerals.

• Cavities filled with liquid.

• Rectangular dark spots are caused by the cracking of a mineral.

• Needle-shaped inclusions, usually characteristic of lunar stones from Myanmar.

All these inclusions are characteristic of moonstone. The presence of such inclusions is not a defect. It is important not to have too many of them, as they should not interfere with the appearance of adularescence. If there are too many inclusions, which spoil the shine and luster of a stone, it is better to discard it, as it is of low quality and not suitable for jewelry making.

How can I tell the difference between a natural inclusion and a crack?

It may be hard for a buyer to distinguish the inclusion from the scratch, so it is worth knowing a few simple ways to do it.

First of all, if you see a stripe on the stone, it is worth touching the stone from above. If the stripe can be felt when you touch it, then it is a crack that was formed, for example, by a blow. If the stone is smooth, it is probably a natural inclusion in the stone.

If in doubt about your stone, you can take it to a specialist who will examine your stone with special instruments. 

Buying Moonstone

First of all, you should like the looks of the stone. If the stone has few inclusions, which do not interfere with the optical effect, it is safe to buy this stone.

Next, look at the color saturation of the stone; it should be quite bright and dense.  This should not be cloudy; you should be able to see the mineral's interior.

 There are also other criteria for choosing a stone, but it all depends on the quality of the stone you need, as well as the level of your knowledge of gemology. After all, there are various physical characteristics of the stone that are unknown to the average buyer. 

Inclusions in moonstone are quite common and are characteristic of this mineral. Do not be upset if you bought a stone with inclusions. Think about the fact that it is a unique feature of your mineral; it is a kind of history of its existence on the planet. A very long and interesting history. Read our article  Moonstone Meaning by Color - White, Silver, Blue, Peach, and More

Kindly note that healing gemstone meanings are not prescriptions or healthcare information.