Among the collection assembled by Dr Edward Gübelin are a number of uncommon gemstones from many worldwide localities.
Read MoreNot 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.
Read MoreThese red, pink and orange hued gems evoke passion and excitement – and are sure-fire accessories for sultry summer days.
Read MoreThe first of a three-part series exploring Oregon’s state gem reports on a July 2013 visit to the Ponderosa mine, a prolific sunstone source surrounded by majestic ponderosas.
Read MoreRed copper-containing plagioclase feldspar from Oregon has been available for over a century. In the early 2000s, new localities for copper-bearing feldspar were reported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and from Tibet or an unspecified locality in China.
Read MoreThe Ponderosa mine is now producing commercial quantities of the gem-quality labradorite feldspar known as sunstone.
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