Blue Flash Intensity varies because the optical effect depends on internal layer orientation:
Strong Flash (60-80% coverage) - Blue visible across most of the surface at normal viewing angles. Works in designs where stones move with the wearer.
Moderate Flash (40-60% coverage) - Blue appears in specific zones. Suitable for fixed-orientation settings. Most commercial natural rainbow moonstone gemstone material falls in this range.
Weak Flash (under 40%) - Minimal blue, primarily at edges. Budget-grade material for designs where flash is secondary.
Body Tone - The base color you see when flash isn't activated:
White to Cream - Standard commercial grade. Clean backgrounds let blue flash stand out clearly.
Gray Undertones - Costs less than pure white. Affects aesthetic but not structural quality.
Peach/Golden Tints - Natural color variation. Some designers specifically seek warmer tones for rose gold pairings.
Expected Inclusions:
Silk (Fine Parallel Lines) - Creates the flash effect. Present in all natural rainbow moonstone gemstone material—this is how the stone works.
Black Needles or Fractures - Reduce value when prominent. We note these in listings.
Expect translucency with inclusions, not transparent perfection. Material with intense blue flash and no inclusions is rare and priced accordingly. We photograph stones at peak flash angle and neutral position so you see both the optical effect and base appearance.