Faceted Oregon Sunstone - 2.72 CTW
Tax excluded. Shipping calculated at checkout
- Variety - Oregon Sunstone
- Clarity - Eye Clean, type 2
- Dimensions - 9.04 x 9.04 x 6.4 mm
- Weight - 2.72 CTW
- Colour - Dark Reddish Orange (WOC 10R 4/10)
- Cut - Excellent
- Shape - Octagon
- Treatment - None
- Origin - United States
- Comments - Inclusions appear to be of natural origin, no visual signs of treatment
- Valuation Certificate from Australia - Yes
More Information about Oregon Sunstone
Gem collectors and jewelry lovers from all over the world are fast becoming aware of this uniquely American gemstone. While many varieties of labradorite feldspar can display aventurescence or schiller and are commonly called “sunstones,” those effects are typically caused by inclusions of hematite or goethite. In contrast, the labradorite sunstones found in Oregon have inclusions of copper. This unique happenstance means these gemstones may both display a schiller effect and transparency. This makes them highly desirable as faceted jewelry stones.
Intense red and transparent gems with schiller are in great demand. However, many color varieties occur in Oregon, with and without the glowing effect.
| Name | Oregon Sunstone |
| Is a Variety of | Feldspar |
| Refractive Index | 1.559-1.573 |
| Colors | Shades of pink, tan, orange, yellow, green, blue-green, red, and clear as well as multi-colors. |
| Hardness | 6-6.5 |
| Wearability | Poor |
| Enhancements | Oregon sunstone isn’t known to be enhanced or treated. |
| Typical Treatments | None |
| Etymology | After the state and the “sun-like” golden red schiller effect found in some of these stones. |
| Inclusions | Copper inclusions. |
Enhancements
Although plagioclase feldspars such as andesine can be enhanced with the addition of copper through heating and pressure treatments, Oregon sunstone isn’t known to be enhanced or treated. It acquires its copper naturally.
Sources
Substantial amounts of high-value Oregon sunstone rough are now being extracted from its namesake state in the USA.
Care
Because of their hardness of 6 to 6.5, Oregon sunstones are best suited for jewelry such as pendants, earrings, brooches, or other pieces that won’t endure heavy wear. Common dust has a hardness of 7 to 7.5 and will scratch this material. Steel can also scratch gems with a hardness of 6. For ring use, place Oregon sunstones in protective settings.
The best cleaning method for Oregon sunstones is warm water, detergent, and a soft brush. Avoid mechanical cleaning methods such as ultrasonic systems and steam.
Choose options
Tax excluded. Shipping calculated at checkout