Where is Moonstone Found: A Comprehensive Guide to Global Deposits and Sources

Ever caught yourself dreaming of that soft, milky glow in a piece of jewellery and wondered exactly where that moonstone comes from?

The answer is a little road‑trip across the globe, because moonstone isn’t harvested from a single mine – it pops up in several distinct regions, each giving the stone its own subtle colour story.

In Sri Lanka, the old “Moonstone Island”, you’ll find the classic rainbow‑sheen varieties that sparkle when the sun hits them just right – the ones most designers love for boho‑chic bracelets.

Further north, the rugged coasts of Madagascar yield a deeper, earthy blue‑grey moonstone that’s prized for its grounding vibe – perfect when you want a piece that feels both mystical and down‑to‑earth.

In the United States, especially the historic mines of California’s Sierra Nevada, you’ll spot moonstone that leans toward a creamy peach hue, a reminder of the Gold Rush era when prospectors first uncovered these glimmering gems.

Australia’s far‑flung outback, notably the regions around Queensland and New South Wales, supplies moonstone with a cooler, silvery sheen – the kind you’ll often see in contemporary statement necklaces.

Because these deposits are scattered, ethical sourcing matters; at Charming Beads we only stock moonstone that’s responsibly mined, so you can feel good about the sparkle you add to your creations.

If you’re looking to see the difference for yourself, check out our Pale Grey/Cream Moonstone chip beads – each bead tells a tiny story of its birthplace.

So next time you hold a moonstone pendant, you can imagine the Sri Lankan hills or the Californian goldfields that birthed it, and that adds a whole new layer of meaning to your design.

Ready to start sourcing ethically and bring that lunar glow into your next project? Let’s dive into where moonstone is actually found around the world.

Keep an eye on our new arrivals – fresh, responsibly sourced stones land in the UK warehouse every month.

TL;DR

If you’ve ever wondered where is moonstone found, the short answer is it’s mined across several continents—from Sri Lanka’s glittering hills to the creamy‑peach veins of California, the silvery outcrops of Australia, and the deep blue‑grey beds of Madagascar. We’ve gathered the key locations, ethical sourcing tips, and quick product pointers so you can confidently choose responsibly sourced moonstone for your next jewellery piece.

Geological Formation and Characteristics of Moonstone

Ever wondered why moonstone looks like a slice of night sky caught in a bead? The answer starts deep underground, where slow‑cooling magma and mineral‑rich fluids play a quiet game of layer‑by‑layer art. Understanding where is moonstone found isn’t just geography – it’s a story of crystal chemistry, pressure, and a dash of patience.

From magma to moon‑glow: the birth of moonstone

Moonstone belongs to the feldspar family, specifically a plagioclase called albite that mingles with orthoclase. When molten rock (igneous magma) begins to solidify, the feldspar crystals grow and trap tiny, alternating sheets of these two minerals. As the rock cools further, a process called exsolution forces the sheets apart, creating the lamellae that later scatter light into that dreamy adularescence.

This magmatic birth is often followed by a secondary hydrothermal phase – hot, mineral‑laden water slipping through cracks, tweaking the crystal chemistry and sometimes adding a faint colour tinge. The combination of slow cooling (often in pegmatite veins) and gentle hydrothermal alteration is why you’ll find the best moonstones in places like Sri Lanka’s alluvial gravels and the pegmatite‑rich hills of India.Geology Science explains the exsolution process.

Physical traits that make it special

Hardness sits around 6‑6.5 on the Mohs scale, so it’s softer than quartz but sturdy enough for most jewellery if you handle it with care. Specific gravity hovers between 2.5‑2.6, meaning it feels light on the palate of a necklace. The hallmark is adularescence – a soft, milky sheen that can shift from pearly white to bluish‑grey depending on the thickness of the albite layers.

Colour varies with chemistry: more orthoclase gives you peach or pink tones (think California’s historic mines), while higher albite content yields blue‑grey stones typical of Madagascar. Some moonstones even show a faint cat‑eye (chatoyancy) when cut as a cabochon, a bonus for designers looking for that extra wow factor.

Real‑world deposits you can visit (or at least order from)

Here’s a quick snapshot of the world’s hotspots:

• Sri Lanka – the classic “Moonstone Island” produces the clearest, most adularian stones; they’re prized for their strong blue sheen.
• India (Orissa & Jharkhand) – pegmatite veins yield creamy‑peach moonstones that sit nicely in boho‑style jewellery.
• Madagascar – metamorphic rocks give deeper, earthy blue‑grey stones that work well in statement pieces.
• United States (California, New Mexico, Virginia) – granite‑related deposits supply a range of colours, from pale cream to muted green.
• Australia (Queensland & New South Wales) – silvery‑sheen stones that are perfect for modern, minimalistic designs.

These locations aren’t just points on a map; each region’s geology imprints a subtle fingerprint on the stone’s colour and clarity.Wikipedia lists the major moonstone‑bearing countries.

Now that you can picture the underground workshop, let’s bring that knowledge into your studio. When you’re sourcing beads, ask your supplier about the stone’s origin – a Sri Lankan moonstone will usually show a stronger blue adularia than a US‑sourced one. Check the mineral’s lamellar structure under a jeweller’s loupe; the tighter the layers, the more intense the glow.

Actionable steps for crafters:

1. Inspect the cut – a well‑polished cabochon will display a moving sheen across the dome.
2. Ask for a provenance sheet – ethical mining details help you market the story behind each bead.
3. Pair with complementary stones – the soft glow of moonstone pairs beautifully with warm amber or cool Labradorite for a balanced palette.
4. Handle with care – store moonstone beads separately to avoid scratches; a soft cloth wipe is enough for cleaning.

If you need a ready‑made stash of responsibly sourced stones, our semi‑precious gemstone beads by material collection lets you pick the exact colour family you need, all backed by ethical mining practices.

Key Global Deposits: Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, and the USA

Sri Lanka – the original moonstone treasure

When you hold a stone that seems to capture a slice of night sky, there’s a good chance it started its journey in the hills of Sri Lanka. The little village of Meetiyagoda is famous for producing the world’s only true blue moonstone – the kind of deep, almost sapphire‑blue adularescence that designers dream about.

What’s special about the Sri Lankan process? Miners still work by hand, using coconut wood scaffolding and fern‑leaf shoring to keep the shafts stable. They only wash the gravel on “lucky” days, a tradition that adds a touch of folklore to every bead. That hands‑on, low‑impact approach has kept the deposits alive for over a century, meaning when you buy a Sri Lankan moonstone you’re also supporting families who have built their lives around these mines.Read more about the blue moonstone mining story.

For crafters, Sri Lankan stones tend to show a stronger blue adularia layer, so they’re perfect for pieces where you want that luminous, almost ethereal glow – think boho‑chic bracelets or moon‑phase pendants.

India – creamy‑peach pegmatite gems

Head east to the mineral‑rich pegmatite veins of Orissa and Jharkhand, and you’ll find moonstones that lean toward a warm, peach‑cream colour. These Indian stones aren’t as blue as their Sri Lankan cousins, but their softer hue pairs beautifully with amber, copper or rose quartz for a relaxed, earthy palette.

Because the Indian deposits are often found in alluvial gravels, the rough stones can be larger, giving you more flexibility when you cut a cabochon. If you’re after a stone that feels a little more “sun‑kissed” than moonlit, Indian moonstone is the go‑to.

Madagascar – the deep‑blue‑grey mystery

Madagascar’s moonstone story is a bit different – the island’s metamorphic rocks yield a darker, blue‑grey stone that feels grounding and slightly moody. The most talked‑about find comes from the Andilamena mine in Alaotra‑Mangoro, where miners work with simple hand tools to extract a remarkably clear variety of rainbow moonstone.Learn about the Andilamena rainbow moonstone. That clarity makes the stone ideal for statement jewellery where the adularescence needs a dark backdrop to really pop.

One quirky fact: because the rainbow effect often sits on the side of the gem, cutters lose a lot of material – sometimes up to 80% – to keep the play of colour centred. The result is a smaller, but highly prized cabochon that can become the focal point of a necklace or ring.

The USA – historic, creamy varieties

Cross the Pacific and you’ll land in the historic mining districts of California’s Sierra Nevada, as well as pockets in New Mexico and Virginia. American moonstones tend toward a creamy, peach‑tinged hue that harks back to the Gold Rush era when prospectors first stumbled upon these glimmering rocks.

These stones are often found in granite‑related pegmatites, meaning they can be a bit more rugged in texture. For makers who love a vintage vibe, an American moonstone can add that nostalgic, Western‑frontier charm to a cuff or brooch.

Putting it all together – how to choose the right deposit for your design

So, which deposit should you reach for next? If you want a striking blue sheen that screams “moonlit night”, Sri Lanka is your answer. Need a warm, sunrise‑like tone? India delivers creamy peach that works wonders with earth tones. Looking for a deep, grounding colour that makes the adularescence dance on a dark canvas? Madagascar’s blue‑grey stones are unbeatable. And when you’re after a touch of historic romance, the USA’s creamy gems fit the bill.

When you source your beads, ask your supplier which mine the stone came from and whether they can provide a provenance sheet. That little piece of paperwork not only confirms authenticity but also lets you share the story with your customers – and we all know a good story sells.

Ready to start mixing and matching? Grab a handful of each and lay them out side by side. You’ll instantly see how the colour families converse, and you can start sketching pieces that blend the cool blues of Sri Lanka with the warm peach of India, or the dark mystique of Madagascar with the vintage charm of an American stone.

Comparing Moonstone Sources: Quality, Colour, and Pricing

Okay, you’ve seen the maps, you’ve felt the glow – now it’s time to stack the options side by side. When you’re choosing moonstone for a new collection, the real decision‑maker isn’t just “which country?”, it’s “which combination of quality, colour and price fits my design budget?”. Let’s break it down, no jargon, just the facts you need.

What does "quality" really mean for moonstone?

First off, quality is a mix of clarity, adularescence intensity and cut. A stone with a clean, deep blue sheen from Sri Lanka will usually command a higher price because the blue layer is rarer and the adularia is tighter. In contrast, a creamy‑peach stone from the USA may have a softer glow but can be a bargain if you’re after a vintage vibe.

One handy reference for colour grading is the colour grading chart of moonstone. It shows how gemologists score the body colour and the play of light – a quick way to spot a premium piece without needing a lab report.

Colour families at a glance

Think of the world’s moonstone deposits as four distinct colour families:

• Sri Lanka – classic silvery‑blue to deep sapphire‑blue adularescence.
• India (Orissa & Jharkhand) – warm peach‑cream, perfect for earthy palettes.
• Madagascar – dark blue‑grey, almost storm‑cloud, great for statement pieces.
• USA (California, New Mexico, Virginia) – soft creamy to pale ivory, a nod to historic mining.

Each family reacts differently under light, so it helps to test a few beads in natural daylight before you buy.

Pricing – what should you expect?

Price is where the rubber meets the road. Roughly speaking, Sri Lankan blue moonstone sits at the top of the ladder – think £30‑£45 per 5 mm bead for a reliable source. Indian peach stones are more modest, often £15‑£25. Madagascar’s deep greys land around £20‑£35, while US‑sourced creams can be as low as £10‑£18.

Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best value. A lower‑priced stone that lacks strong adularescence will look flat in a finished piece, and you’ll end up spending more on re‑work or additional beads to achieve the desired effect.

Practical tip: mix and match

Don’t feel boxed into one deposit. Many designers blend a few Sri Lankan blues with Indian peach beads to create a gradient that feels organic, not staged. Grab a handful of each, lay them out on a white cloth, and watch the colours talk to each other – you’ll instantly see which combos spark that “aha!” moment.

And if you need a ready‑made stash to experiment with, check out our Moonstone bracelet guide. It walks you through the most popular colour mixes and even suggests price‑point pairings.

Quick decision table

Source	Typical Colour	Price Range (per 5 mm bead)
Sri Lanka	Silvery‑blue to deep sapphire	£30 – £45
India	Warm peach‑cream	£15 – £25
Madagascar	Dark blue‑grey	£20 – £35
USA	Creamy ivory	£10 – £18

So, what’s your next move? Grab a sample set, compare the adularescence in daylight, and let the colour story guide your design budget. By understanding where each hue comes from and how it’s priced, you’ll avoid costly mis‑steps and end up with jewellery that truly sings.

Historical Lore and Cultural Significance of Moonstone Around the World

Ever felt that sudden tug when you glance at a moonstone and think of moonlit nights, old stories, and a whisper of magic? That's because this little gem has been drifting through myths and rituals for millennia, and every culture that stumbled upon it gave the stone its own personality.

India: The Lover’s Stone

In ancient Sanskrit texts, moonstone is called “Chandrakanta”, literally “the beloved of the moon”. Hindu poets claimed the stone could calm a restless heart and even bring lovers back together. Temples in Rajasthan still keep small moonstone pendants on altars, believing they amplify the goddess Parvati’s gentle energy. If you’re designing a piece meant for romance, a touch of Indian lore adds a narrative that resonates with customers who love a love‑story vibe.

Rome and Greece: Divine Protection

The Romans called moonstone “Luna” and thought it was a solid fragment of the moon itself, dropped into the earth by the goddess Selene. Soldiers wore it as an amulet to protect against betrayal and to keep their wits sharp in battle. Greeks, on the other hand, linked the stone to the myth of Artemis, using it in rites to ensure a safe return from the sea. Those ancient protection tales work beautifully when you market a bracelet as a “guardian of intention”.

China: Balancing Yin and Yang

Chinese alchemists prized moonstone for its ability to harmonise the yin and yang energies within the body. In the classical “Bái Zhǔn” (White Jewel) catalogue, moonstone is listed alongside jade as a stone that calms the mind and eases emotional turbulence. It was often placed in the bedroom to soothe restless sleepers – a perfect story for a night‑time jewellery collection.

Native American Traditions: Dream‑Walker

Among several Native American tribes, moonstone was called “the stone of new beginnings”. The Ojibwe believed it could guide dream‑walkers through the spirit world, while the Hopi used it in coming‑of‑age ceremonies to mark the transition from child to adult. Those rituals underline the stone’s association with personal growth – a compelling hook for modern makers who want to embed a sense of transformation in their designs.

Victorian England: A Touch of the Exotic

When the British Empire opened trade routes to Sri Lanka and India, moonstone burst onto the Victorian jewellery scene. It quickly became the “stone of the month” in Queen Victoria’s own collection, symbolising hope and the promise of a new era. The period’s fascination with the exotic turned moonstone into a status symbol, and the legacy lives on in today’s vintage‑inspired pieces.

So, what does all this lore mean for you as a designer? First, it gives you a ready‑made story you can weave into product descriptions – whether you’re highlighting the stone’s romantic heritage from India or its protective qualities prized by Romans. Second, you can match the cultural vibe to the colour family you’re using: the deep blue of Sri Lankan stones pairs nicely with the “moon‑kissed” Roman myth, while the warm peach of Indian moonstone feels right at home with love‑centred narratives.

Practical tip: curate a “Lore Collection”

Pick three cultural stories that resonate with your brand, then group moonstone beads that reflect each tale. For instance, a set of silvery‑blue beads could be marketed as “Roman Guardian”, a batch of warm peach beads as “Indian Lover”, and a dark blue‑grey batch as “Native Dream‑Walker”. By giving each batch a name and a short myth, you turn ordinary inventory into a curated experience that customers can share on social media.

Finally, remember that the real magic happens when you combine history with ethical sourcing. When you tell a client that their moonstone pendant not only carries a thousand‑year‑old legend but also comes from a responsibly managed mine, you’re selling more than a product – you’re offering a piece of heritage you can feel good about.

Metaphysical Properties, Healing Benefits, and Chakra Associations

Ever held a moonstone bead and felt that quiet tug in your chest, as if the stone were whispering a secret?

That whisper is more than poetry – moonstone has a reputation for soothing the nervous system, easing mood swings, and opening us to subtle intuition.

What the stone actually does

At its core, moonstone is linked to the feminine energy of the moon, which translates into a calming, stabilising influence on the emotions. Designers love it because it can turn a busy mind into a gentle flow, perfect for pieces meant to be worn daily.

Research in crystal healing circles notes that moonstone can reduce anxiety by encouraging the release of old emotional patterns. In practice, you might notice a client saying they sleep better after wearing a moonstone pendant.

Healing benefits you can point out

1. Emotional balance – The stone is said to calm an over‑active mind, helping you move through stressful moments without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Digestive support – Traditional lore connects moonstone to the solar‑plexus chakra, which governs digestion. Wearing a moonstone bracelet during meals can, according to practitioners, aid nutrient absorption.

3. Hormonal harmony – Many women report that moonstone eases menstrual discomfort and supports fertility, especially when placed over the lower abdomen during meditation.

4. Dream work – A classic tip is to tuck a small moonstone under the pillow; users say it encourages vivid, insightful dreams.

Chakra connections

Moonstone primarily resonates with three chakras, each offering a different flavour of its magic.

Third Eye (Ajna) – Positioned between the eyebrows, this centre governs intuition. Placing a moonstone on the forehead for a few minutes each morning can sharpen inner guidance.

Heart (Anahata) – The stone’s gentle, loving energy supports emotional openness. A heart‑centre necklace works well for couples’ jewellery lines that aim to celebrate lasting love.

Solar Plexus (Manipura) – Linked to personal power and confidence, a moonstone pendant at the solar plexus can boost self‑esteem, making it a great addition to statement cuffs aimed at empowerment.

Because moonstone also touches the crown chakra in subtle ways, it can act as a bridge between earthly concerns and higher spiritual aspirations – a useful narrative when marketing “mind‑body” collections.

Real‑world example: a layered bracelet

Imagine a three‑bead bracelet: a deep blue Sri Lankan moonstone for the third eye, a warm peach Indian moonstone for the heart, and a silvery‑grey Madagascar stone for the solar plexus. The colour gradient tells a story of night turning into dawn, while the chakras line up with the wearer’s energy journey.

When you show this piece to a client, point out the specific benefits each bead brings. You’ll hear “I love that it supports my intuition” and “the heart stone feels soothing” – exactly the emotional connection you want.

Actionable steps for crafters

1. Identify the chakra you want to target. Choose a colour family that matches – blue for third eye, pink/peach for heart, yellow‑gold for solar plexus.

2. Test adularescence in natural light. Hold the raw stone up to a window; the stronger the glow, the more potent the energetic effect is believed to be.

3. Pair with complementary stones. Labradorite amplifies intuition, while rose quartz deepens heart‑centre love. A small cluster can create a synergistic field.

4. Provide a care guide. Advise customers to cleanse the stone under moonlight or with a gentle sage smudge to keep its energy clear.

5. Share the story. In your product description, briefly mention the stone’s origin (e.g., “ethically sourced Sri Lankan moonstone”) and its chakra link – this adds credibility and a selling point.

Bottom line? Moonstone isn’t just a pretty shimmer; it’s a versatile tool that can enhance emotional wellbeing, support specific chakras, and give your jewellery a narrative that resonates. By weaving its metaphysical profile into your designs, you give customers a reason to wear the piece beyond aesthetics – they wear a little piece of calm, confidence, and connection.

Buying Guide: How to Choose Authentic Moonstone and Verify Ethical Sourcing

Okay, you’ve fallen in love with that milky shimmer, but how do you know the stone in your hand is the real deal and not a cheap glass look‑alike? Let’s walk through a practical, down‑to‑earth checklist that takes the guesswork out of buying moonstone.

Spot the genuine sparkle

First thing’s first – genuine moonstone shows adularescence, that soft, billowy glow that shifts from white to a faint blue when you tilt it under natural light. Hold the stone up to a sunny window; if you see a gentle, moving sheen, you’re probably looking at the real thing. A dull, static sparkle usually means you’ve got a dyed or synthetic piece.

Moonstone’s chemistry is a mix of sodium, potassium, aluminium and silicate – a variety of orthoclase feldspar – which gives it a Mohs hardness of around 6 to 6.5. That means it’s sturdy enough for pendants and earrings, but it can scratch or chip if you’re rough with it. With Clarity explains the mineral makeup and hardness, so you know what to expect when you test the stone.

Ask for provenance – the paper trail you need

When you’re sourcing from a supplier, request a provenance sheet. It should name the mine, the country, and ideally the specific community that extracted the stone. This isn’t just about bragging rights; it lets you verify ethical practices like fair wages and low‑impact mining.

One of our favourite examples is a batch of moonstone from the Jharkhand region of India that comes with a detailed ethical‑sourcing report. The miners use hand tools, pay workers a living wage, and follow eco‑friendly guidelines – a model you can spot on the product page of many reputable sellers. Moonrise Crystals outlines the standards they apply to keep their stones responsibly sourced.

Check the cut and clarity

Authentic moonstone is almost always cut as a cabochon – a smooth dome that maximises that inner glow. Look for a well‑polished surface; any rough spots or visible tooling could be a sign of low‑quality work. Transparency matters too: a slightly translucent stone lets the light travel through the layered albite plates, amplifying the adularescence.

When you’re comparing beads, lay them side by side on a white cloth. The stone with the deepest, most even glow is likely the higher‑grade piece. If you see cloudy inclusions that block the light, it’s still natural but may be less valuable for high‑end jewellery.

Real‑world verification steps

• Grab a jeweller’s loupe (10x magnification). Look for parallel lamellae – thin, regular layers that cause the shimmer. Irregular or absent layers often indicate a treated or synthetic stone.
• Do the “water test”. Drop the stone into a cup of water; genuine moonstone will sink slowly because of its specific gravity (2.5‑2.6). A stone that floats or bounces is probably a glass imitation.
• Ask the seller for a small, unpolished sample. Raw material shows the natural crystal habit and can confirm the source region – Sri Lankan stones tend to be bluer, Indian ones more peach‑cream.

Ethical red flags to watch out for

Beware of vague claims like “ethically sourced” without supporting documentation. If a vendor can’t produce a mine‑level certificate or refuses to answer where the stone came from, walk away. Also watch for unusually low prices that seem too good to be true – they often hide conflict‑mined or lab‑grown stones masquerading as natural moonstone.

Another tip: look for third‑party certifications such as the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) or Fair Trade Gold. While not mandatory, they add a layer of trust that the supply chain has been audited.

Putting it all together – your buying workflow

1. Define your design’s colour family (blue, peach, grey) – this narrows down the likely source country.

2. Source a small sample pack from a reputable dealer and run the loupe, water, and light tests.

3. Request provenance sheets and any relevant ethical certifications.

4. Compare the adularescence intensity; choose the stone that feels most alive under daylight.

5. Document your decision – note the supplier, source, and test results. This record becomes a selling point you can share with customers who care about authenticity and ethics.

By following this checklist, you’ll avoid the disappointment of a dull, cheap stone and feel confident that every moonstone you hand‑craft carries both a genuine glow and a story worth sharing.

Conclusion

So, you’ve trekked from Sri Lanka’s blue hills to Madagascar’s storm‑grey veins, and you now know exactly where is moonstone found.

What matters most is that you can spot a genuine stone, trace its provenance, and feel good about the story you’ll tell your customers.

Remember the quick workflow: pick a colour family, run the loupe, water and light tests, then lock in a supplier who can hand over a provenance sheet.

If you’re still unsure, grab a mixed sample pack – lay the beads out on a white cloth and watch the adularescence dance. The one that sings under daylight is the one you’ll want in your next collection.

And don’t forget the ethical side; a mine‑level certificate or a Responsible Jewellery Council badge is your safety net against conflict‑mined stones.

With that checklist in hand, you’re ready to design pieces that sparkle with authenticity and a story worth sharing.

So, what’s the next step? Head to our moonstone bead range, pick the hue that matches your vision, and start crafting jewellery that feels as honest as it looks.

Take a moment to jot down the supplier name, country of origin and your test results – that record becomes a powerful selling point when you talk to clients who care about provenance.

FAQ

Where is moonstone found?

Moonstone pops up in a handful of mineral‑rich regions around the world. The biggest producers are Sri Lanka, India (especially Orissa and Jharkhand), Madagascar, and the United States (California, New Mexico, Virginia). Each locale gives the stone a slightly different hue – Sri Lankan stones lean blue, Indian ones turn peach‑cream, Madagascar yields deep blue‑grey, and US deposits are creamy ivory. Knowing the geography helps you pick the colour family that matches your design.

Can I source moonstone in the UK?

While the UK doesn’t have commercial moonstone mines, you can still buy authentic beads without leaving the country. Reputable UK suppliers import ethically‑mined stones and provide provenance sheets that trace each bead back to its original mine. Look for dealers who mention the exact country and, where possible, the specific mine – that way you get the same quality you’d find overseas, but with faster shipping and local support.

What’s the difference between Sri Lankan and Indian moonstone?

Sri Lankan moonstone is famous for a strong, silvery‑blue adularescence that almost looks like a slice of night sky. Indian moonstone, by contrast, tends toward warm peach‑cream tones with a softer glow. The crystal structure in Sri Lanka is tighter, giving a brighter, more intense sheen, while the Indian stones have looser layers, making the light play more subtle. Choose Sri Lankan for dramatic, night‑inspired pieces and Indian for earthy, boho designs.

How do I verify the origin of a moonstone bead?

Start by asking your supplier for a provenance sheet – it should list the mine, country, and any ethical certifications. Next, do a quick loupe check: genuine moonstone shows parallel lamellae that create the adularescence. A simple water test can also help; natural moonstone sinks slowly because its specific gravity is about 2.5‑2.6. If the seller can’t provide documentation, it’s safer to walk away.

Are there ethical certifications I should look for?

Yes. The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) badge is a widely recognised standard that audits the entire supply chain for fair labour and environmental practices. Some mines also publish their own community‑level certificates, showing they pay workers a living wage and minimise landscape impact. When you see either of these on a product page, you can confidently tell customers that the stone is conflict‑free and responsibly sourced.

What colour families can I expect from different deposits?

Each region tends to produce a characteristic palette. Sri Lanka gives you silvery‑blue to deep sapphire shades, perfect for a “moon‑kissed” vibe. India offers warm peach‑cream that pairs nicely with amber or rose quartz. Madagascar’s stones are dark blue‑grey, great for statement jewellery that needs a moody backdrop. US stones sit in the creamy ivory range, ideal for vintage‑inspired pieces. Matching the colour to the story makes the design instantly relatable.

How can I use the location information in my jewellery marketing?

Customers love a story they can share. When you know a bead comes from, say, the Andilamena mine in Madagascar, you can highlight the deep‑blue‑grey hue and the hand‑tool extraction method in your product description. Mention the cultural lore or the ethical steps the miners take – it turns a simple bead into a conversation starter. Adding a small “origin tag” on your packaging reinforces trust and encourages repeat purchases.