← All inclusions

What to look for

Under 10x loupe: rows of short stress fractures between alternating feldspar layers, arranged perpendicular to the layering, like centipede legs or a row of dashes.

What it means

Centipede inclusions are diagnostic for genuine moonstone, especially orthoclase moonstone.

Expert move

Use transmitted light and slowly rotate the stone to see the dash-like structures along internal planes.

Gemstone inclusion

Centipede Inclusions

Under 10x loupe: rows of short stress fractures between alternating feldspar layers, arranged perpendicular to the layering, like centipede legs or a row of dashes.

Category Fractures

Seen in

Moonstone (Orthoclase Feldspar)

Check with

10x loupe transmitted light

Reading order

Confirm the feature is internal, not surface dirt or polish marks.
Use side light to reveal relief, planes and shimmer.
Compare with related stones before making an origin or treatment call.