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SUNSTONE
Sunstone’s phenomenal varieties show a distinct and lively glitter called aventurescence.
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Sunstone History and Lore
In the early 1800s sunstone was a little-known, rare, and costly gemstone. It wasn’t until finds in Norway, Siberia, and other parts of the world that sunstone became somewhat more widely recognized, more available, and less expensive.
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.
Sunstone Care and Cleaning
Learn about sunstone's durability and how to care for your sunstone jewelry.
Pyritic Inclusions in Oregon Sunstone
Oregon Sunstone Update
The Fluid Art of Angela Conty
Rainbow Rays in Rainbow Lattice Sunstone
Colorful rays of light are observed in an Australian rainbow lattice sunstone.
Special Colors and Optical Effects of Oregon Sunstone: Absorption, Scattering, Pleochroism, and Color Zoning
Details the colors and optical effects caused by metallic copper inclusions in this gem-quality feldspar.
Fluorescence Characteristics of Two Copper-Diffused Plagioclase Feldspars: Labradorite and Andesine
Examines the use of strong fluorescence near 394 nm under 320 nm excitation as a potential means of identifying copper diffusion treatment of feldspar.
Ponderosa Sunstone Update
John Woodmark provides an update on the Ponderosa sunstone mine in Oregon.
Exceptional Freeform Tanzanite and Oregon Sunstone Rings
A family sources, designs, and carves gems for extraordinary jewelry and pieces.
