Overview
About Sunstone
Sunstone is a member of the feldspar group. Both the orthoclase and the plagioclase feldspar species boast a sunstone variety. Other feldspar group gems include moonstone, non-phenomenal orthoclase, phenomenal and non-phenomenal labradorite and amazonite. Sunstone from Oregon is gaining attention as a natural and untreated product of the United States.
Feldspar
Sunstone is a member of the feldspar group of minerals.
Aventurescence
Sunstone can have a sparkly, metallic-looking lustre caused by flat, reflective inclusions.
Oregon
Oregon sunstone is a transparent feldspar with glittery copper inclusions.
Facts
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Mineral:
Feldspar
Chemical composition
Treatments
There are a number of processes used to alter the colour or apparent clarity, or to improve the durability of gems.
Learn MoreSynthetics
Some gemstones have synthetic counterparts that have essentially the same chemical, physical and optical properties, but are grown by man in a laboratory.
Learn MoreImitations
Any gem can be imitated – sometimes by man-made materials or by natural materials chosen by man to impersonate a particular gem.
Learn More
Why We Love This Gemstone
Glittery
Reflective inclusions in sunstone’s phenomenal varieties cause a distinct and lively glitter called aventurescence.
Natural
Oregon sunstone’s colours don’t result from treatment. The gem’s all natural and it’s mined in the United States.
“Spinel red”
Red-coloured Oregon sunstone is often marketed to consumers as “spinel red.” Its vivid hue rivals spinel and even ruby.
Quality Factors
The following factors combine to determine a sunstone’s value.
Colour
The most in-demand sunstone colours are deep red – like this gem – deep green and intense bicolours.
Clarity
Small inclusions provide a reddish or golden sheen; larger inclusions create glittering reflections.
Cut
Creative cuts and calibrated gems alike are designed to highlight the gem’s glowing colours.
Carat Weight
Sunstone is available in a range of sizes, but large carved gems like this Oregon beauty are rare.
Sunstone Quality Factors: The Comprehensive Guide
Research
Explore sources, gemmological research and the role of gems in history.
A sunstone odyssey,
Part 1: The Ponderosa
Recommended Reading
Feldspar Mineralogy
Ribbe, P. H
