Sunstone Gemstone | Sunstone Stone – GIA Gem Encyclopedia

Buyer's Guide

Today’s sunstone market is a diverse one, consisting of upscale jewelry designers, collectors, gem carvers, and tourists to the Oregon desert seeking a precious all-American souvenir.

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What To Look For

Gem-quality sunstone labradorite occurs in a broad range of colors, from pale yellow through pale pink to dark orange and even a deep red. The rarest material is green. These rough stones are from the Sunstone Butte mine in the US state of Oregon. – Robert Weldon

Color is the Most Important Sunstone Quality Factor.

Top-color deep green, deep red, and intense bicolored sunstones are considered extra-fine quality. Red sunstone is often marketed as “spinel red.” Its vivid hue—if not its hardness—rivals spinel and even ruby.

Tiny copper platelets cause sunstone’s glittery appearance.

Clarity Factors for Sunstone Include Helpful Inclusions.

All Oregon sunstones have an extra sheen that’s caused by copper inclusions, even if the inclusions aren’t large enough to create actual aventurescence.

With most gemstones, cutters try to minimize the appearance of inclusions. Sunstones, however, are cut to feature the sparkle and glitter of their inclusions. This pendant contains a 20-ct. sunstone set in 18K white gold. - Maha Tannous, courtesy Anil B. Dholakia Inc.

Cut is an Important Contributor to Sunstone Appearance.

Sunstone is cut into a variety of shapes. It’s a popular material for cut designers to fashion into unique creations. Sunstone is also popular with gemstone carvers.

The Ponderosa Queen is a superb 10.79-ct. deep red faceted sunstone from the Ponderosa mine in Oregon. The copper inclusions that cause the characteristic aventurescence of that mine’s sunstones are clearly visible.

Carat Weight of Sunstone Covers a Wide Range.

Sunstones under one carat are often cut in calibrated sizes to fit standard jewelry mountings. Large faceted stones are uncommon, but gem carvers often use non-facet-grade material for unique creations.

Sunstone Quality Factors: The Comprehensive Guide

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Questions & Answers

Does GIA grade sunstone?

GIA evaluates sunstone but does not grade it. A GIA Colored Stone Identification Report assesses the characteristics of any polished, rough, mounted or loose material (weight, measurements, shape, cutting style and color); identifies whether it is natural or laboratory-grown; and names any detectable treatments.

What is the best color of sunstone?

Although many people prize red sunstone highly, some consumers seek out green or bicolor gems.

Is sunstone color-enhanced?

Oregon sunstone is not treated to improve its appearance, but pale-colored feldspar from other areas might be enhanced to improve its color.

Are there sunstone imitations?

Buyers must be aware of a common imitation. Called goldstone, it’s made of glass that contains small, flat copper crystals.

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Questions & Answers

Caring for Your Sunstone

Keep your sunstone jewelry beautiful by following simple care and cleaning guidelines.

Durability

Sunstone is durable enough for jewelry use and daily wear, but rough handling should be avoided.

Care and Cleaning

Warm, soapy water and gentle scrubbing is the safest way to clean sunstone.

Treatment

Many processes can improve color, apparent clarity, or durability. Oregon sunstone isn’t treated.

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The Complete Guide on Caring for your Sunstone

Sunstone