A 6.45 carat Ceylon moonstone — 7.09 ratti — at Rs. 3,980, about Rs. 617 per carat, delivered anywhere in Pakistan.

Buying moonstone in Pakistan

Moonstone is known here as chandrakant, and it is bought both as jewellery and for its traditional association with the moon in the subcontinental system of stones. That dual demand is why the local market carries a lot of material sold as moonstone that is really milky quartz or glass. Two things separate the real thing: adularescence that moves as the stone is tilted rather than a static white cloudiness, and a hardness of only 6 to 6.5, which is softer than quartz. If a seller tells you their moonstone is tough enough for daily knocks, that is a warning rather than a selling point.

The ratti question

Most buyers here think in ratti rather than carat, and the conversion catches people out: one ratti is about 0.91 carat, so this stone's 6.45 carat is 7.09 ratti. A stone quoted as “seven ratti” elsewhere is therefore a little lighter than seven carat, not heavier. We publish both figures on every listing so there is nothing to work out and nothing to take on trust.

This stone

Recorded as a Ceylon stone, translucent, with a blue glow that appears as the piece turns. At Rs. 617 per carat it sits in the lower half of our collection, where the rate runs from roughly Rs. 481 to Rs. 776 per carat. Six and a half carats is a comfortable everyday ring size — enough dome for the sheen to travel, not so much that the stone stands proud and catches.

Care

Moonstone is 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale with good cleavage, so a sharp knock is more dangerous to it than a scratch. Warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth. No ultrasonic cleaner, no steam, no bleach or ammonia. Store it away from harder stones.

Treatment has not been tested on this piece, and we record that rather than calling it untreated. Dimensions and clarity are not recorded yet — ask us and we will measure before you buy.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural moonstone with a weight of 6.45 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,980 — roughly Rs. 617 for each carat. Origin: Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000418 when you message us about it. The photographs show this exact stone, so what arrives at your door is the piece you chose on screen.

From six carats up a stone becomes the centre of attention. It wants a broader shank or a secure claw setting and suits an occasion ring, a signet or a centre pendant. Clean natural material of this size turns up far less often, and the per-carat rate reflects that.

On the Mohs scale moonstone rates 6 to 6.5. That is middle-of-the-road hardness: comfortable in pendants and earrings, and in rings worn with some care. Store it apart from harder stones so it does not pick up scratches, and wipe it with a damp cloth rather than scrubbing.

Whoever you buy moonstone from, make sure of three things: the stone is natural rather than lab-grown, glass or glass-filled; any treatment is stated in writing; and the weight quoted is the weight of the finished stone. We check every moonstone for those three points before it is listed, a certificate is available on request, and because you pay on delivery you can look at the stone — or have it tested — before any money changes hands.

We sell natural stones only and inspect each one before it is listed. Treatment for this stone: Treatment not tested. Certificate available on request. As general background (not a statement about this stone): Moonstone is usually untreated. Ask us on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we know about this exact stone; independent lab testing is available on request.

A certificate of authenticity is available on request for this stone, and independent laboratory testing can be arranged. Because you pay on delivery, you can also take the stone to a lab of your choice within the 7-day return window. Read more on our authenticity page.