Oregon Sunstone: Properties, Meanings, Value & More

Sunstone is a natural gemstone occurring across the globe. Oregon sunstone, however, is much rarer!

Oregon sunstone occurs in a captivating array of hues ranging from orangey-reds to greenish-blues, and champagnes, with dazzling sprinkles of copper scattered throughout.

If you’re curious to learn more about Oregon sunstone, you’re in luck!

In today’s article, we’re breaking down everything there is to know about this rare and charming gem — from its intriguing history and symbolism to its unique properties and value.

About Oregon Sunstone

Like moonstones get their name alluding to the moon’s lunar beams, sunstone’s name derives from its bright, glittery inclusions of copper. Its luminous glow is reminiscent of the sun’s rays, hence sunstone.

Does that mean a sunstone is a moonstone? Nope — Although they belong to the same feldspar group, sunstone and moonstone aren’t one and the same.

So what's the difference between sunstone and moonstone? It’s mainly a matter of their individual optical effects.

Moonstone features soft and gentle adularescence, meaning it has a milky bluish-white glow seemingly floating under its surface. Conversely, sunstone twinkles with a lively, distinct glittery effect caused by tiny reflective inclusions within, known as aventurescence.

What else is this semi-precious gemstone known for?

Sunstone is the zodiac stone for the Libra in astrology and an alternate stone for Leos.

If your birthday falls in July or August, that makes sunstone your birthstone, too.

Fittingly, this gem is also the star stone for the sun — no surprise there, right?

So how do I know if my sunstone is real? Understanding its mineral traits is the perfect way to distinguish your sunstone from other minerals!

Oregon Sunstone Specifications & Characteristics

First, is sunstone a real gemstone? Absolutely!

Sunstone is a variety of labradorite, a feldspar gem best known for its schiller or mesmerizing iridescent luster within.

While other sunstones contain hematite or goethite, Oregon sunstones are special in that they contain copper crystals. This gives them the shimmering effect known as aventurescence that we mentioned earlier.

Here’s an overview of Oregon sunstone’s other mineral traits:

Chemical formula: (Ca,Na)(Al,Si)2Si2O8

Mohs hardness: 6.5 to 7

Color: Yellowish-brown, reddish-orange, bluish-green to colorless with copper schiller

Crystal structure: Triclinic

Luster: Vitreous

Transparency: Translucent to translucent

Refractive index: 1.56 to 1.58

Birefringence: 0.009

Density: 2.62 to 2.72

Cleavage: Perfect

Fracture: Splintery

Tenacity: Brittle

Streak: White

Luminescence: Fluorescent (Reddish-purple in UV)

Pleochroism: Weak or absent

Historically speaking, what are some facts about Oregon sunstone?

Oregon Sunstone History

The term “sunstone” was originally used as a trade name, referring to any gem with a fiery, sun-like appearance.

But it wasn't until sunstone’s discovery at the Ponderosa mine in central-eastern Oregon in 1980 that it gained worldwide recognition as a remarkable gemstone and earned its official classification.

Thanks to its one-of-a-kind beauty and rarity, it was declared the state gem of Oregon in 1987.

Metaphysically, what is Oregon sunstone used for?

Oregon Sunstone Healing Properties

The Oregon sunstone isn’t just a fascinating crystal to admire.

Like many gems, you can harness their energy as powerful healing stones for aiding in wellness and guidance.

Physical Healing

Oregon sunstone touts a wide range of physical healing benefits to help restore and rejuvenate your body. Many believe it helps stimulate self-healing and harmonize all the organs within the body.

Additionally, the gem’s high copper content purportedly stimulates the circulatory system, helping with fatigue, muscle weakness, and joint pain. It’s also been known to support the digestive system, relieve stomach problems, and reduce inflammation.

Emotional Healing

Feeling anxious or stressed? Think of Oregon sunstone as a warm hug in crystal form.

This gem’s warm and comforting energy may help you connect with your emotions and eliminate negativity. It’s believed to calm your nerves and promote feelings of happiness and positivity.

You can also use Oregon sunstone as a chakra stone for your sacral (Svadhisthana) chakra. As your hub of "self," this gem's warm, glowing energy is thought to promote feelings of joy, creativity, and emotional well-being.

Ready to shop? You’ll want to know what the best quality sunstone is first!

Oregon Sunstone Gemstone Properties

To determine a gem's quality, rarity, and value, experts assess properties such as color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. This is known as gemstone grading.

Oregon sunstones are no exception. Here’s how they stack up:

Color

Oregon sunstones come in various colors, from pale yellow to colorless, pink, tan, green, and even red.

Non-phenomenal stones (lacking any optical effects) in pale yellow to colorless hues tend to be less expensive, while pink and tan specimens are often priced higher.

Other colors, like green, strong pinks, reds, and bi-colored and tri-colored gems, with and without schiller, can garner higher prices due to their beauty and scarcity.

What is the rarest color in Oregon sunstone? Intense, red gems (especially large stones) are rare and highly prized. However, some greens are also very rare, costing more than even the best reds.

In addition to color range and intensity, appraisers also look at Oregon sunstone’s optical effects.

As discussed earlier, Oregon sunstones are best known for their aventurescence, the sparkling effect caused by their copper inclusions. Therefore, specimens with strong, evenly distributed aventurescence are highly-prized and valuable.

Cut

While many sunstones are used for carvings and cabochons, Oregon sunstone is unique in its ability to be faceted into various gemstone shapes. However, it takes an expert cutter to do it in a way that showcases the gem’s celebrated blazes of schiller.

When well-cut, high-quality Oregon sunstone exhibits a dazzling glow and brilliance. This, along with its faceting abilities, add to its value and versatility.

You’ll also find this gem sold uncut (or rough). However, cut and polished stones are more popular and in higher demand.

Clarity

Oregon sunstone is classified as a Type II clarity-grade gem, typically containing visible inclusions.

While many gems decrease in value when tiny imperfections and inclusions are present, it often means the opposite in Oregon sunstones. Since the copper inclusions produce their notable schiller or aventurescence, this characteristic adds to the stone's uniqueness and value.

Carat Weight

Most Oregon sunstones typically range from 1 to 2 carats up to 10 to 15 carats.

Stones exceeding 15 carats are rare and valuable, as they're more difficult to find. Stones over 20 carats are very rare, commanding high prices, especially if they have desirable color and optical characteristics.

While larger stones are generally rarer and more expensive, specimens with well-defined and unique optical phenomena can command higher prices than their larger counterparts.

Oregon Sunstone Formation & Sources

Oregon sunstone is a product of 15 million-year-old volcanic activity.

As lava flowed to the surface and solidified, plagioclase feldspar crystals grew, forming structures with other minerals such as copper or iron.

Over time, weathering and erosion expose the sunstones in the ground, where they’re then mined.

…but are sunstones only found in Oregon?

Mining Locations

While sunstones are abundant worldwide, Oregon sunstone is a specially unique variety. You won’t find this type of copper-bearing sunstone anywhere else on Earth but Southeastern Oregon or the “Oregon Outback.”

So where in Oregon can I find sunstone?

Oregon's most productive sunstone mining area is located in Lake County. However, smaller quantities have also been found in other areas, such as Malheur County and Harney County.

Moving on, let’s talk pricing.

Oregon Sunstone Price

Oregon sunstones are valuable and sought-after stones. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect as far as general cost:

• Faceted gems: around $20 to $500 per carat, depending on quality and characteristics

• Cabochons: a few dollars for lower-grade stones to $50 or for higher-quality stones

• Rough specimens: a few dollars for smaller, lower-grade stones up to several hundred dollars or more for larger, higher-grade stones

Vibrant, saturated gems with strong schiller will always garner higher prices than lower-grade gems with less desirable color and optical effects.

Finally, let’s wrap up our guide with gemstone care.

Oregon Sunstone Care and Maintenance

Oregon sunstones are non-toxic and safe to handle or wear. However, you’ll need to take some measures to maintain their beauty and quality.

To clean your gem, use a soft, lint-free cloth or soft-bristled brush, mild soap, and warm water.

Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, and store your sunstone in a cool, dry place away from high heat or sudden temperature changes.

While prolonged heat exposure isn’t recommended, sunstone doesn’t typically fade in sunlight like some other gems.

Bask in the Warmth of Oregon Sunstone!

Oregon sunstone’s captivating allure is hard to ignore.

Its mesmerizing blend of vibrant colors and coppery twinkles reminiscent of sunshine makes it the perfect gemstone for adding a touch of radiance to your crystal collection.

Ready to experience this sought-after gem’s enchanting glow for yourself?

Buy Oregon sunstone gemstones today!