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Sunstone

Sunstone’s phenomenal varieties show a distinct and lively glitter called aventurescence.

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Copper

Tiny copper platelets can cause the prized red hue in Oregon sunstone.

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Color zones

Some sunstones exhibit attractive color zoning.

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Matte finish

Matte-finish facets can provide an interesting and attractive contrast.

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Glitter

Sunstone’s glittery sparkle shows up even in its rough form.

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Bicolored

Some sunstone rough displays interesting zoned colors.

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Desert Sun

The Ponderosa mine produces many lovely specimens like this one.

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Figure 1. Faceted Oregon sunstone crystals (2.75–7.71 ct) representing the variety of colors observed. Photo by Adriana Robinson. Courtesy of the GIA Museum. Gifts of Western Ventures (pear shape), Dust Devil Mining Co. (oval), and John and Laura Ramsey (emerald cut on the far right).
Special Colors and Optical Effects of Oregon Sunstone: Absorption, Scattering, Pleochroism, and Color Zoning

Shiyun Jin, Aaron C. Palke, Nathan D. Renfro, and Ziyin Sun, November 3, 2023

Details the colors and optical effects caused by metallic copper inclusions in this gem-quality feldspar.

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Figure 1. The 29 natural labradorite sunstone and plagioclase feldspar specimens used in this study. Groups A and C are from Oregon, United States; group B is from Inner Mongolia, China; and group D is from Afar, Ethiopia. In Group C, the top five stones are from the Ponderosa mine, the middle three samples (first one imaged in two orientations) are from the Sunstone Butte mine, and the bottom five samples are from the Dust Devil mine. Photos by Qingchao Zhou.
Fluorescence Characteristics of Two Copper-Diffused Plagioclase Feldspars: Labradorite and Andesine

Qingchao Zhou, Chengsi Wang, and Andy H. Shen, January 25, 2023

Examines the use of strong fluorescence near 394 nm under 320 nm excitation as a potential means of identifying copper diffusion treatment of feldspar.

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A bright orange, multi-faceted gem.
Article
Fall for Autumn Gems

Sharon Bohannon, September 21, 2018

Nature gives us a brilliant palette of color-changing leaves and a spectacular kaleidoscope of colorful sunsets during the fall season.

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Large sunstone rough from the Ponderosa mine in Oregon
Ponderosa Sunstone Update

Duncan Pay, May 11, 2018

John Woodmark provides an update on the Ponderosa sunstone mine in Oregon.

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A round, bright red gem displayed on a dark gray background.
Article
The Red Hot Gems of Summer

Sharon Bohannon, August 23, 2017

These red, pink and orange hued gems evoke passion and excitement – and are surefire accessories for sultry summer days.

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Blue freeform tanzanite in ring.
Exceptional Freeform Tanzanite and Oregon Sunstone Rings

Duncan Pay, May 8, 2017

A family sources, designs, and carves gems for extraordinary jewelry and pieces.

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Pin/pendant with sunstone, pearl, diamond, chalcedony, and zircon.
The Fluid Art of Angela Conty

Carl Chilstrom and Sharon Bohannon, August 3, 2016

Angela Conty exhibits and discusses her work at the 2016 Tucson gem shows.

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Rainbow Over Montana bracelet
Paula Crevoshay’s American Collection, Plus Jewelry with Nontraditional Gemstones

Tao Hsu and Andrew Lucas, April 28, 2016

Lesser-known gem materials are seen in pieces alongside a collection created as an artistic inheritance for future generations of jewelry fans.

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Sphalerite
Rare Stones In Demand

Donna Beaton, April 30, 2015

Rare material seen at the GJX show in February 2015.

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Mixed-cut Oregon sunstone
Oregon Sunstone Update

Duncan Pay, April 30, 2015

An review of the Oregon sunstone seen at the Tucson gem shows.

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This Month's

Featured Gems

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Peridot

Found in lava, meteorites, and deep in the earth’s mantle, yellow-green peridot is the extreme gem.
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Fancy Color Diamond

Dazzling brilliance. Captivating color. These are the planet’s most valued gems.
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Diamond

Diamonds are among nature’s most precious and beautiful creations.
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Emerald

Emerald is the bluish green to green variety of beryl, a mineral species that includes aquamarine.
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Citrine

Citrine is the transparent, pale yellow to brownish orange variety of quartz.

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