GEM KNOWLEDGE · LABORATORY NOTES
Quartz Moonstone
A faceted stone sold as moonstone or possibly sillimanite was identified as quartz.
Sample: 1238 (#4, possibly sillimanite) · Report completed: April 11, 2025.
Tested identification: Quartz.
Why the name needs clarification
“Quartz Moonstone” is retained as the descriptive market name for this material’s moonstone-like appearance. The word “moonstone” here describes how it looks; it does not mean that the tested stone is feldspar moonstone.
The laboratory report identifies quartz and explicitly rules out sillimanite. It does not identify the cause of the stone’s appearance. No locality was supplied.
View the laboratory report
Understanding the report figures
Use this guide alongside the written findings and the original report transcript. It explains the purpose of each analytical figure and preserves the laboratory’s own figure labels. The interpretations apply to the tested specimen; signals alone do not establish the identity of every similar-looking stone.
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Electron microscope image: This view shows small-scale regions selected for analysis. Its brightness contrast helps distinguish regions with different compositions; it is not a photograph of their natural colors. Numbered spots connect this view to the analyses listed in the report.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig.2: Backscattered electron image of an area of the specimen in Fig. 1.
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Elemental spectrum: The peaks record characteristic X-ray signals from elements in the analyzed spot or area. This is an analysis of that location, not automatically of the entire specimen. Any mineral identification or uncertainty named in the laboratory caption is retained below.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig. 3: Energy dispersive spectrum of spot 1 in Fig. 2. (quartz)
Read the complete report as text
Analytical Result Report
Sample id: 1238 (#4 poss sillimanite)
Submitted by: Soul Body Gems
Date completed: 4-11-2025
Operating conditions: An AMRAY 1830 SEM operated at 25 kV acceleration potential, 24 mm working distance, 0 degrees sample tilt, coated with 250 Å carbon, and also using the attached XRF unit operated at 30 kV.
Fig. 1: Photograph of the specimens. 3.69 carats.
Fig.2: Backscattered electron image of an area of the specimen in Fig. 1.
Fig. 3: Energy dispersive spectrum of spot 1 in Fig. 2. (quartz)
Summary: This specimen (Fig. 1) is quartz (Figs. 2 and 3)., not sillimanite.
Date: 4-11-2025 Signature
Read the original laboratory report as text
The following text and tables are transcribed from the original laboratory document. Figure captions identify the report images; the laboratory interpretations and limitations are preserved.
Laboratory report 1
Analytical Result Report
Sample id: 1238 (#4 poss sillimanite)
Submitted by: Soul Body Gems
Date completed: 4-11-2025
Operating conditions: An AMRAY 1830 SEM operated at 25 kV acceleration potential, 24 mm working distance, 0 degrees sample tilt, coated with 250 Å carbon, and also using the attached XRF unit operated at 30 kV.
Fig. 1: Photograph of the specimens. 3.69 carats.
Fig.2: Backscattered electron image of an area of the specimen in Fig. 1.
Fig. 3: Energy dispersive spectrum of spot 1 in Fig. 2. (quartz)
Summary: This specimen (Fig. 1) is quartz (Figs. 2 and 3)., not sillimanite.
Date: 4-11-2025 Signature