SUNSTONE

Sunstone’s phenomenal varieties show a distinct and lively glitter called aventurescence.

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Buyer's Guide

Today’s sunstone market is a diverse one, consisting of upscale jewelry designers, collectors, gem carvers, and tourists to the Oregon desert seeking a precious all-American souvenir.

FIND A JEWELER

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FIND A REPORT

Verify the information on your report matches what is archived in the GIA report database.

What To Look For

Color is the Most Important Sunstone Quality Factor

Top-color deep green, deep red, and intense bicolored sunstones are considered extra-fine quality. Red sunstone is often marketed as “spinel red.” Its vivid hue—if not its hardness—rivals spinel and even ruby.

Clarity Factors for Sunstone Include Helpful Inclusions

All Oregon sunstones have an extra sheen that’s caused by copper inclusions, even if the inclusions aren’t large enough to create actual aventurescence.

Cut is an Important Contributor to Sunstone Appearance

Sunstone is cut into a variety of shapes. It’s a popular material for cut designers to fashion into unique creations. Sunstone is also popular with gemstone carvers.

Carat Weight of Sunstone Covers a Wide Range

Sunstones under one carat are often cut in calibrated sizes to fit standard jewelry mountings. Large faceted stones are uncommon, but gem carvers often use non-facet-grade material for unique creations.

Sunstone Quality Factors: The Comprehensive Guide

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VIEW SAMPLE REPORT ABOUT IDENTIFICATION REPORTS ANALYSIS & GRADING

Questions & Answers

Q
DOES GIA GRADE SUNSTONE?
A
GIA evaluates sunstone but does not grade it. A GIA Colored Stone Identification Report assesses the characteristics of any polished, rough, mounted or loose material (weight, measurements, shape, cutting style and color); identifies whether it is natural or laboratory-grown; and names any detectable treatments.
Q
WHAT IS THE BEST COLOR OF SUNSTONE?
A
Although many people prize red sunstone highly, some consumers seek out green or bicolor gems.
Q
IS SUNSTONE COLOR-ENHANCED?
A
Oregon sunstone is not treated to improve its appearance, but pale-colored feldspar from other areas might be enhanced to improve its color.
Q
ARE THERE SUNSTONE IMITATIONS?
A
Buyers must be aware of a common imitation. Called goldstone, it’s made of glass that contains small, flat copper crystals.