OREGON SUNSTONES

Oregon Sunstones, a gem variety of the feldspar mineral group, occur in Lake and Harney Counties (Oregon), where they are dug from the soil and underlying lava flows.  Feldspars generally occur in a large variety of rock types, usually as small crystals that are typically opaque with rather dull colors of white or gray.  Oregon Sunstones, however, are large, brightly colored, transparent, gem feldspars.  Oregon Sunstone crystals as large as 3 inches have been found, and the gems range in color from water clear through pale yellow, soft pink, and blood red to deep blue and green.

Incredible Color Variation

Some of the stones show different colors when viewed from different directions, called dichroism.  Many Oregon Sunstones appear to be transparent, but when viewed in just the right direction, a pink to red metallic shimmer flashes from within the stone as a collection of small spots or as a mirrorlike surface.  The color variations and shimmer are caused by different amounts and sizes of tiny crystals of copper metal within the stone.  This effect is called "schiller" or "aventurescence" and is caused by the light reflecting from minute parallel metallic platelets suspended in the stone.

Dichroism                                                               Schiller

The Oregon Sunstones are a calcium-rich variety of plagioclase felspar, a common mineral in basaltic lava flows.  Sunstones are mined from the soil and partially decomposed rock formed by weathering of the lava flows.  The majority of serious mining takes place in open pits, requiring heavy equipment, extensive and expensive sorting and screening processes, and, of course, the requisite U. S. reclamation requirements.  While occurance of transparent feldspar have been reported elsewhere in the western United States, Oregon Sunstones are uncommon in their composition, clarity, and range of colors, and they occur in sufficient abundance to permit sustained production of faceted gems.  Gem quality Oregon Sunstone is mined only in two areas, 100 miles apart, of Oregon State.

Excellent for Jewelry and Investment

Oregon Sunstone has a hardness of 6.50 to 7.25 on the Mohs scale, making it an excellent gemstone for jewelry or investment purposes.  Many of the characteristics that make Oregon Sunstones so appealing - including the wide variety of color and unique effects created by schiller - make it difficult to mass market.  The Oregon Sunstone is a natural gemstone.  It is not heat treated, irradiated or dyed and it never fades or loses it's natural color.  Oregon Sunstones can be cleaned with soap and water, window cleaners and common jewelry cleaners.  This stone was made the official Oregon State gemstone in 1987.

Over the years, Oregon Sunstones have been referred to as Red Labradorite and Andesine.  While experts may argue the nomenclature, all of these gemstones are feldspars with varying degrees of chemical difference.  The oldtimers around Plush, Oregon, gave it the name of "Plush Diamond."  Tiffany's actually owned mining claims near Plush in the 1920's.  And word has it that a major department store  chain will begin marketing the Oregon Sunstone in the near future.  The Oregon Sunstone has a long and proud history.  Because of the few locations these stones are actually mined, the supply will remain limited and they should increase in value.