History & Introduction
Sunstone is considered to be a feldspar gemstone consisting of glittery appearance
and usually an orange or reddish color. The glitter effect is due to the inclusions
of the mineral Hematite, or even Goethite or Pyrite (and in one rare instance, Copper).
The term used to describe this effect is exhibited on Sunstone is aventurescence.
Not every sunstone exhibits strong aventurescence or schiller. The strength of the
optical phenomenon due to the size of additions that are naturally composed of hematite
or goethite. Smaller enclosures is to show more sheen, while larger inclusions mainly
appear as glittery, spangled metallic reflections. With the radiance of the sun
and the fire of the solar ray, Sunstone possess the energy of Ra, the sun god, who
brings the energy from all potential life within the Earth. It is considered to
have the quality of Leadership - of freedom, personal power and expanded consciousness.
Completely reflecting the qualities of Light, it has benevolence along with warmth,
strength, mental clarity, willingness and ability to bestow blessings upon others.
It is well known stone for joy, Sunstone inspires the nurturing of self in order
to be of service to others. It reinstates the enjoyment of life, humble nature and
gives a sense of richness.
It is named for its warm shades of gold, orange, reds and browns that sparkle like
the sun. Enclosures done on Goethite or Hematite deflect light between the various
layers of crystal and produce an iridescent effect as the stone is viewed from various
angles. Appearance of sunstone tends to be clear and transparent, or opaque, and
is freely available on the market. Occasionally we get examples of clean red sunstone.
Sunstone is naturally reddish to orange in color and its spangled appearance is
reminiscent of the sun, hence its name 'sunstone'. There are actually a few different
varieties of sunstone available now. Sunstone can be varieties of plagioclase (oligoclase
sunstone) feldspar, or potassium feldspar (orthoclase sunstone).
Recognize - Sunstone frequently are recognized by its glittery
aventurescence alone, however it can sometimes be confused with other aventurescent
gems such as aventurine quartz, or even other similar feldspars, such as orthoclase
moonstone. It may also be confused with goldstone, aventurescent Italian glass with
copper enclosures tends to be artificial. Sunstone is little softer as compared
to quartz with a hardness rating of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. The density of the
stone ranges from 2.62 to 2.65 and its refractive index from 1.525 and 1548. Sunstone
is popular to show absolute cleavage, which can be a helpful unique trait.
Availability - Though sunstone deposits is found in various locations
across the globe, no single source is found through which it is mined commercially.
Some of the more significant, notable deposits come from Madagascar, India, Canada,
Norway, Russia and the USA (Oregon, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Utah). Oregon
in USA is well known for producing sunstone in addition with the traces of copper.
Usages - Sunstone that is opaque is cut into cabochons or polished
into beads, which is further used to make bracelets, necklaces, and ornamental objects.
Sunstone available in the transparent forms are faceted into gemstone cuts for purpose
of jewelry bracelets, rings, earrings and many more.
Buying Guide
Color - Sunstone is typically red-brown in body color with a metallic
shimmering effect caused by tiny platelets of hematite, pyrite or goethite. The
sunstone from Oregon, USA, shimmers because of the presence of copper. Sunstone
schiller mainly give red, gold, orange or yellow shimmer, however occasionally,
it even occurs in green or blue.
Clarity and Lustre - Sunstone is naturally translucent to opaque,
though some very fine materials are highly transparent. Sunstone is well known for
its sparkling inclusions. It is the presence of these enclosures because of which
attractive schiller or aventurescence is obtained. When cut and polished, sunstone
gives a vitreous luster that is often described as sparkling.
Cut and Shape - Sunstone is usually faceted with flat and large
surface that are excellent to maximize the reflection of metallic inclusions. There
are translucent to opaque materials available to cut en cabochon, especially those
that show chatoyancy or star (asterism) effects. The popular shapes are pears, ovals
and rounds, however other fancy shapes are also found.
Treatment - Sunstone is not known to be treated or enhanced in
any way.
Gemological Characteristics: