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Figure 1. Reflected light reveals the metallic luster of these colorful inclusions in an Oregon sunstone. Photomicrograph by Rosie Young; field of view 1.26 mm. Courtesy of GIA Museum, collection no. 4735.

Pyritic Inclusions in Oregon Sunstone

Rosie Young, August 2, 2024

Examination of an Oregon sunstone sample reveals pyritic and copper inclusions.

Three Occurrences of Oregon Sunstone

Duncan Pay, Robert Weldon, Shane McClure, and Kevin Schumacher, October 14, 2013

Chronicles a visit to the high desert of eastern Oregon to examine commercial sources of this natural copper-bearing feldspar.

Rectangular dislocation chain in an orangy red Oregon sunstone.

Dislocation Chain in Oregon Sunstone

Jessa Rizzo, November 15, 2019

A decorated dislocation chain encountered in Oregon sunstone follows an interesting rectangular pattern.

Oregon Sunstone Update

Duncan Pay, April 30, 2015

An review of the Oregon sunstone seen at the Tucson gem shows.

Sunstone Labradorite from the Ponderosa Mine, Oregon

Christopher L. Johnston, Mickey E. Gunter, December 1, 1991

The Ponderosa mine is now producing commercial quantities of the gem-quality labradorite feldspar known as sunstone.

Exceptional Freeform Tanzanite and Oregon Sunstone Rings

Duncan Pay, May 8, 2017

A family sources, designs, and carves gems for extraordinary jewelry and pieces.

A graceful carving displays this Oregon sunstone’s bright, reflective copper inclusions, its intense color, and its pleochroism. – Robert Weldon, courtesy Oregon Sunstone

Article

Sunstone Description

Not all feldspars that bear the name “sunstone” are from the same side of the feldspar family—both the orthoclase and the plagioclase species boast a sunstone feldspar variety. The name sunstone refers to the gem’s appearance rather than to its chemical makeup.

Figure 1. Faceted Oregon sunstone crystals (2.75–7.71 ct) representing the variety of colors observed. Photo by Adriana Robinson. Courtesy of the GIA Museum. Gifts of Western Ventures (pear shape), Dust Devil Mining Co. (oval), and John and Laura Ramsey (emerald cut on the far right).

Special Colors and Optical Effects of Oregon Sunstone: Absorption, Scattering, Pleochroism, and Color Zoning

Shiyun Jin, Aaron C. Palke, Nathan D. Renfro, and Ziyin Sun, November 3, 2023

Details the colors and optical effects caused by metallic copper inclusions in this gem-quality feldspar.

Cause of Color in Yellow Sapphire, Plus Characterization of Oregon Sunstone, Ukrainian Beryl, and British Columbian Iolite

Duncan Pay, November 3, 2023

An overview of the Fall 2023 Gems & Gemology content.

Large sunstone rough from the Ponderosa mine in Oregon

Ponderosa Sunstone Update

Duncan Pay, May 11, 2018

John Woodmark provides an update on the Ponderosa sunstone mine in Oregon.

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