Oregon Sunstone: Legend, Geology and the Rebirth of a Unique Gem

22.98ct neon red faceted by Jeff Hapeman, USA

Introduction: A Native American Legend and the Magic of Sunstone

According to an ancient Native American legend, an epic battle took place near the Ochoco Mountains in Oregon . A valiant warrior was pierced by an arrow, and his blood was spilled onto pieces of sunstone . The blood, imbued with the warrior's spirit, is said to have colored the stones a powerful, sacred red, endowing them with mystical powers.

Today, in the desert of southeastern Oregon, enthusiasts continue to keep this legend alive by extracting and sharing with the world this fabulous gem: Oregon Sunstone .

Oregon Sunstone: An Exceptional Gem

Oregon Sunstone is a special type of feldspar distinguished by its varied colors and captivating beauty. Like other feldspars, it belongs to a large family of minerals, but Oregon Sunstone is unique due to its composition, enriched with copper, which gives it hues ranging from red to green, and sometimes even a Schiller effect due to the presence of micro-inclusions of native copper.

This gemstone is found in the volcanic regions of southeastern Oregon , where a volcanic episode between 15 and 17 million years ago favored its formation in highly porphyritic lava flows. These stones are now mined in areas such as Ponderosa Mine , Dust Devil Mine and Sunstone Butte , among others.

A Work of Passion: The Rebirth of Sunstone

At the beginning of the 21st century , Oregon Sunstone went through difficult times, notably due to the copper-treated feldspar scandal and the 2008 economic crisis. However, Oregon Sunstone is now reborn, driven by legal , associative and marketing initiatives aimed at restoring this gemstone to its place on the international market.

The Oregon Sunstone Miners Association (OSMA) has played a major role in this revival, bringing together producers to promote the 100% natural gemstone , without artificial treatments. Since 2015, the name "Oregon Sunstone" has been protected as a registered trademark in the United States, guaranteeing that stones bearing this name are indeed extracted from this specific region and without chemical treatment.

A Unique Geology: Sunstone's Ideal Playground

Oregon Sunstones are found in ancient lava flows , where magma expelled these phenocrysts over time. Thanks to a favorable geological environment, these gems are the result of a collision between two tectonic plates, which created magma chambers conducive to their formation.

Researchers believe that the presence of copper in the crystal structure of Oregon feldspars is responsible for the varied colors and optical effects that can be observed in this stone.

Incredible Color Effects: The Charm of Oregon Sunstone

One of the most fascinating aspects of Oregon Sunstone is its color effect . Due to its unique composition, some stones exhibit a “watermelon” effect, where shades of red and green can coexist in the same stone, creating surprising plays of light.

This phenomenon is linked to the presence of protoenstatite , a recently discovered mineral in this gem, which creates color variations ranging from red to green, sometimes visible to the naked eye. The Schiller effect , visible in some stones, is another major asset, resulting from micro-inclusions of native copper that give the Sunstone an almost magical shine.

International Fame: Promoting Oregon Sunstone

Promoting this gem is essential to its success. Initiatives such as the Oregon Sunstone website, created by Ales Patrick Krivanek and Eric Bardawil , have helped spread its history and characteristics beyond Oregon's borders. This site, rich in testimonials and photographs, serves as a reference for all gemology enthusiasts, whether gemologists , jewelers , or dealers .

Oregon Sunstone is a true symbol of resilience , having endured many challenges before regaining its place on the international stage. Today, the stone is more sought after than ever, particularly because of its unique Schiller effect and spectacular color variations .

Conclusion: A Stone to Discover and Appreciate

Oregon Sunstone is a gemstone of its own, full of mystery and beauty. Each stone is unique , with its own personality and unexpected colors . If you are a gemstone lover or collector, Oregon Sunstone is definitely worth your attention.

By sharing this article, I invite you to discover and appreciate this fascinating gem and to support the men and women who, every day, work to promote it. Oregon Sunstone is reborn, and I am happy to be able to help you discover all its beauty, still too little known in Europe .