How much money is sunstone worth?
Oregon Sunstone is extremely rare. Fully transparent, top gemmy quality of colored and/or copper schiller Sunstone is not found anywhere else in the world. Value of this amazing gem ranges from 8 US dollars per carat all the way through 4,500 US dollars per carat.
Is sunstone a real gemstone?
Sunstones are found in fine gem quality in Oregon alone. This gemstone is never, as other gems are, heated, irradiated, or colored, but left completely natural. Some Oregon sunstones due to millions of microscopic copper platelets, known as schiller, exhibit a glow from within.
Are Sunstones rare?
It is a rare and sought after collector’s item and makes for spectacular jewelry. Sunstone is generally cut to round or oval cabochons, but sometimes faceted in emerald cut.
What does natural sunstone look like?
What does a Sunstone look like? Sunstone is resplendent in its golden shades of red, orange, brown, and yellow. It has a sparkle to it thanks to iridescence and a play of light beneath the surface. Inclusions beneath the surface give it a glittery look and a rare reflection.
Where is sunstone found?
Sunstone is a plagioclase feldspar, which when viewed from certain directions exhibits a spangled appearance. It has been found in Southern Norway, Sweden, various United States localities and on some beaches along the midcoast of South Australia.
Where is the best sunstone found?
The most famous sunstone deposits in the United States are located in Oregon. A few of the sunstone deposits in Oregon are large enough to sustain mining operations. They are found in certain basalt flows in Lake County and Harney County. There the sunstone occurs as phenocrysts within the basalt.
Where is Sun stone found?
How do you identify a sunstone?
Most sunstones have yellow, orange, or brown bodycolor. Green is extremely rare. Small inclusions create a reddish or golden sheen on top of any bodycolor, while larger inclusions create attractive, glittery reflections. Sunstone inclusions can be hematite, copper, or some other mineral.
Where is sunstone naturally found?
Can sunstone change colors?
Oregon Sunstone can also be found as a clear gem quality Plagioclase Feldspar. This type of Oregon Sunstone will change color depending on the light source and this effect is called Pleochroism. It comes in a variety of colors such as yellow and clear.
Where can I dig for sunstone?
The Oregon Sunstone Public Collection Area allows visitors to enjoy collecting these rare and beautiful gems in their natural setting. Located in the remote Rabbit Basin, the Oregon Sunstone Public Collection Area is in the high desert habitat of sagebrush and open spaces of south-central Oregon.
What is Oregon sunstone?
Oregon Sunstone comes from Southeasten Oregon, often referred to as the “Oregon Outback.” Sunstone is formed in molten lava and is discharged close to the surface with the help of a volcano. The lava wears away or is broken and gradually makes its way to the surface to expose the gem.
Are Sunstones hard?
Sunstone’s hardness falls between 6.5 and 7.2 on the Mohs hardness scale. Exposure to heat is not recommended for sunstone, but its color is stable when exposed to light and won’t fade. Warm, soapy water is always a safe sunstone cleaning method.
What is a good sunstone?
The highest quality sunstones possess a deep red color. These red sunstones are as scarlet as rubies or spinel. The next best quality of stone has a green secondary color. Most sunstone crystals are yellow, orange, or brown.