Sunstone

About Sunstone

A feldspar gemstone that exhibits aventurescence - a spangly or glittery effect caused by tiny copper platelets or hematite flakes within the stone. Oregon sunstone is the most valued variety, coming in colors from clear to deep red and green. Some Oregon sunstones display multiple colors (dichroic). The Vikings may have used sunstones as navigation aids on cloudy days. Over 30 mines operate in Oregon. It is the state gemstone of Oregon. Some specimens show schiller - a shimmering effect that moves across the surface. Large clean gems over 5 carats are rare and valuable.