Oregon Sunstone - Species Overview

(Feldspar · (Ca,Na)(Al,Si)₄O₈)

Oregon Sunstone is a natural variety of plagioclase feldspar found primarily in southeastern Oregon. It is prized for its warm body colors and distinctive metallic flashes caused by copper inclusions. Each stone is unique, ranging from pale champagne to vivid red and green, often showing a subtle iridescence or schiller effect.

Origins

Oregon Sunstone is mined exclusively in the Ponderosa and Plush areas of Oregon, USA. When known, we will list the mine our stones have come from. These deposits produce stones with remarkable clarity and color range, often exhibiting:

• Copper schiller — tiny platelets of native copper that create a glittering metallic sheen.

• Color zoning — natural transitions between gold, red, pink, and green hues within a single crystal.

• Transparency — many stones are clean enough to facet into brilliant gems.

Durability & Wearability

Sunstone is a durable feldspar suitable for most jewelry applications:

• Hardness: 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale

• Good toughness for everyday wear

• Stable color under normal light exposure

• Ideal for pendants, and earrings

• Not recommended for use in rings for everyday wear, as the lower hardness can cause scratches