71x29mm green MOONSTONE w/ blue flash 240ct BEAD (sunstone & opal too!)

Hey Folks! I'm really plunging back into "phenomenal gems" (optical phenomena that is) with THIS piece. This is the first piece I've done with any inlay in it in a very long time....

I hand cut this wonderful, freeform, oval teardrop shaped bead out of moonstone rough from Tanzania! The base of the moonstone is a minty green grey that shows a tremendous silvery blue flash that is very well oriented on both sides. It measures 71x29mm and is 14mm thick with a 3mm drill hole. Low rounded faces and edges. It has a really nice polish and great orientation in it's adularescence. One face is inlaid with a domed, 7mm round cabochon of CATS EYE SUNSTONE, also from Tanzania. A small, pink flash, 3mm Australian opal is inlaid on the other side. This is one of the nicest pieces of moonstone I've ever cut! You won't see another one like this! Internal fractures are completely healed inclusions and do NOT mar the surface of the stone or it's glow nor do they threaten the structural integrity of the stone.

This pendant showcases "phenomenal stones" which are gemstones which exhibit optical phenomena. In the big blue shimmmer is a kind of Adularescence which is a glowing effect as seen in moonstones; on the sides one sees some examples of Aventurescence which is a sparkling, more glitter like, effect caused by metal or glassy looking inclusions in the stone; In the sunstone there is both of the above effects AND Chatoyance (from the French "Chat Oeil", or "cat eye") which is a gleaming effect all over or in a distinct cat's-eye; Schiller which is a directional sheen or shimmer can also be decerned; the little Australian opal one sees Opalescence (opals) a milky to rainbow play of color caused by large spheroid structures of silica in the stone; and finally in one or two of the healed fractures of the moonstone, one can see Irridescence or Iris effect which is a play of color of rainbow colors often caused by a fracturing within the stone.

I've copied the wiki definition of moonstone below for your information. That is followed with a bit of info on the metaphysics of the stone.

"Moonstone is typically a potassium aluminium silicate, with the chemical formula KAlSi3O8."

"The most common moonstone is of the mineral adularia. The plagioclase feldspar oligoclase also produces moonstone specimens. Its name is derived from a visual effect, or sheen, caused by light reflecting internally in the moonstone from layer inclusion of different feldspars."

"Moonstone's delicate beauty and its long heritage make it perhaps the most familiar gem quality member of the feldspar group. Moonstone is composed of two feldspar species, orthoclase and albite. The two species are intermingled. Then, as the newly formed mineral cools, the intergrowth of orthoclase and albite separates into stacked, alternating layers. When light falls between these thin, flat layers, it scatters in many directions producing the phenomenon called adularescence."

"Deposits of moonstone are found in many countries and places: the European Alps; Brazil; India; Mexico; Myanmar; Madagascar; Sri Lanka; the USA, specifically Pennsylvania and Virginia; and Tanzania. However, it is Sri Lanka that produces the highest quality moonstones."

and from a different source is the following information... "Mystic Lore: Intuitive sources say that Moonstone is a stone of emotional harmony and wellbeing. It has been revered for centuries in India as a stone which can bring harmony and good fortune to marriages and love relationships. Moonstone is said to help one relax and enjoy life, and to help one fully love & appreciate others."

Thanks for letting me share my work on this forum and have a great day!