Sunstone is a feldspar ((Na,Ca)(Al,Si)4O8), related to labradorite and moonstone, known for its warm peach, orange and red tones, sometimes with a golden or coppery sheen. Its sparkle comes from aventurescence: tiny platelets of hematite or copper scattered through the stone that catch the light in bright, glittering flashes. With a Mohs hardness of 6 to 6.5 it suits most jewelry with some care.
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Most sunstone is oligoclase feldspar with hematite platelets, from India, Norway, Tanzania and elsewhere. Oregon sunstone, found in the United States, is a labradorite colored and spangled by native copper, and it is the official state gem of Oregon. In good stones the platelets are aligned, so the whole stone lights up at once from certain angles.
This collection holds natural, untreated sunstone from India, including octagon cabochons of around 20 carats with orange body color and glittering platelets.
Under a loupe the glitter resolves into many small, flat, reflective platelets, orange to red or coppery. As the stone turns, they flash on together when they face the light. Goldstone, a common glass imitation, shows tiny triangular or hexagonal copper crystals that sparkle evenly from every angle and look more uniform than natural sunstone.
Sunstone has two cleavage directions, so protect it from hard knocks. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
Every stone is natural, and each listing gives its weight, size, origin and treatment, with photos of the actual stone.
