Sunstone

Sunstone is a calcium rich species of plagioclase feldspar, sometimes with copper or hematite inclusions and traces of iron; 32% Albite, 68% Anorthite.  Sunstone, when viewed from certain directions, it exhibits a brilliant spangled appearance, which led to its use as a gemstone. Sunstone is found in some United States localities, the most valuable from Oregon.  In fact, it is the official gemstone of Oregon.  

Our Sunstones are from the Ponderosa Mine in Oregon.  Oregon Sunstones come in a wide range of colors, such as Red, Orange, Pink, Light Pink, Yellow, Green, Bi-color and Tri-color.  The Bi-color/Tri-color can be any of the Sunstone colors in combination.   The better the color separation, the more desirable the stone. Some of the bi-colors very strongly resemble Alexandrite, others the reds of Spinel while others resemble Tourmaline and Andalusite.  Bi-color, Tri-color and Red Sunstones are the most valuable of all the Sunstones.     

Sunstone formed and crystallized in ancient volcanic flows; Oregon sunstone is unique among gem feldspars due to the millions of copper platelets.  In the trade, this is called the schiller phenomenon. Thus, the schiller effect is responsible for the inner light apparent in Oregon Sunstone.  Oregon sunstones can be up to three inches wide. The copper leads to variant color within some stones, where turning one stone will result in manifold hues: the more copper within the stone, the darker the complexion.   

Our Sunstone's are 100% all natural, no enhancement for color whatsoever.  Sunstone is 6-6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. Refractive Index (RI): 1.560 – 1.572, Specific Gravity (SG): 2.69-2.72 and Cleavage: Perfect two directions. 

Some believe Sunstone to have metaphysical properties.  Sunstone, believed to attract positive energy, as well as cleanse all the chakras, linked to the solar plexus chakra specifically. Traditionally Sunstone is linked to good luck and good fortune as well as happiness and joy.

For additional information, check out this article/report from GIA.  http://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/FA13-oregon-sunstone-pay