OREGON SUNSTONES ~ Information Page by Northwest Jewelry

In the high desert of south central Oregon, Sunstone has been around for millions of years. Formed and crystallized in ancient volcanic lava flows, sunstone is a member of the feldspar group of minerals. Only in Oregon are large quantities of gemstone quality stones found. Unique to sunstone from Oregon is the “schiller” phenomenon caused by the millions of microscopic copper platelets found in each stone. The schiller makes the stone appear to glow even when viewed from a great distance or by starlight!

Native Americans in the northwest once picked the glittering, transparent gems from the ground, often using Sunstone in “Medicine Wheel” ceremonies to help establish a connection with the healing light of the sun. Sunstones are frequently found in sacred bundles and burial sites, and were also used as trading stones as far to the east as the Mississippi River and as far north as central Alaska.

Sunstone is a stone of personal power, freedom, and expanded consciousness.

Of all the stones on Earth, this one truly reflects the qualities of solar light: openness, benevolence, warmth, strength, mental clarity, and the willingness and ability to bestow blessings on others. Sunstones can kindle the fire of leadership within those who wear or carry it.

With a hardness of 6.5 to 7.2, Sunstone is harder than tanzanite and is equal to amethyst, garnet, and tourmaline. This gemstone has a wide spectrum of colors, including but not limited to: clear, champagne, pink, orange, spinel red, green, and the rarest—blue green, garnet red, and tricolor.

In 1987, Sunstone became the official Oregon State gemstone.

One of the most stunning gemstones in the world, Oregon Sunstone is not enhanced in any way, unlike many other gemstones. There is no use of chemicals, irradiation, heat-treating, or oiling. What you get is exactly as the stone exists in nature, pure, and simply beautiful! Take a look at the many colors of sunstone!!!