THE MATERIAL LIBRARY
Sunstone
A feldspar gem, sometimes with reflective inclusions producing aventurescence.
Colors & patterns
Peach, orange, reddish brown, yellow, green or near-colorless, depending on variety.
Typical origins
Sources include India, Tanzania and Oregon in the United States.
Hardness
6–7.2 on the Mohs scale.
Choosing & setting this material
Some stones glitter strongly and others do not. Oregon material and other feldspar sunstones can differ in inclusions and appearance; ask for variety and origin.
Care & cleaning
Clean gently with lukewarm water, a little mild soap and a soft cloth, then dry. Avoid steam, ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes, especially when treatments are unknown.
Origins above describe typical sources of the material, not the origin of an illustrated or stocked stone. Hardness measures scratch resistance, not resistance to breaking. Confirm the identity and treatments of the actual piece.
Further reading: Material reference · GIA: gem treatments