Sunstone

[Wwoofa]

Hi,
January's "Gem of the Month" is .... Sunstone.  Better (very) late than never

Feel free to add more info & pics. If anyone has any questions about Sunstone then this is a good place to post them.

You might like to change your "Gem of the Month" votes now that this one has been covered.

General Information:
Sunstone is a variety of Feldspar which, when viewed from certain directions, exhibits a brilliant "glittery" appearance. This is referred to as "aventurescence" and is caused by small reflective inclusions in the stone such as copper or hematite.

Here are a few useful links that should cover all of the main information.

Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunstone
Mindat - http://www.mindat.org/min-10984.html
Gemdat - http://www.gemdat.org/gem-10984.html
Minerals.Net - http://m.minerals.net/gemstone/Sunstone_gemstone.aspx

Fossicking Locations:
The only location I am aware of to find Sunstone is the Harts Range in NT. If anyone knows of other locations then please let us know.

A rare type of Sunstone is called "Rainbow Lattice Sunstone". It is only found in Australia. Here are a couple of links to some pics...
http://www.therareandbeautiful.com/products/rainbow-sunstone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_DYaqDmwP4

Info about fossicking in NT can be found here...
http://www.nt.gov.au/d/fossicking/

[Jimnyjerry]

Here is my bit of Sunstone from NT

[Fullerton]

Mine is a much more modest piece of 3.75ct, a little beauty.

[gammyknee]

Both are lovely stones.

I have some of this which I am yet to test to confirm (gee, I better pull my finger out a get cutting soon....)

[Lefty]

Those metallic inclusions are extrordinary - remarkable geometric shapes!

Very nice stuff

[gammyknee]

Yes the stones that Jimnyjerry and Fullerton have posted are good examples of the spectacular rainbow lattice. These inclusions are apparently Goethite or Hematite.

The shape of the inclusions in the stone I have posted are a different material and I am unsure what this is. I am suspecting it is a simulant.(man made) but I am still unsure and further tests are required.
There are a few simulants about. The most common is Goldstone (it is a glass) which is seen commonly.

So be aware of the frauds, fakes and imitations floating around.
Another Feldspar is the subject of a court case in USA - Andesine.
 

[Rockgirl]

This is a small piece I have which I love! The colour came out a bit funny (think the white balance wasnt correct) but you can see the cool pattern nicely in the photo 

[dughug]

I'm at the GEMBOREE here in Horsham and I have been told by one of the tailgaters from Alice Springs that she has a few pieces of rainbow lattice for sale as well as some gem quality rose quartz - the later should get some interest from the facetors

[MakkyBrown]

Beautiful stones  , I'd love to find a bit on our trip to Hartz Range 

[Mouse]

Beautiful stones  , I'd love to find a bit on our trip to Hartz Range 

Amazing patterns. They are so precise.  Makky, when are you heading to Harts Range?

Mouse

[MakkyBrown]

Beautiful stones  , I'd love to find a bit on our trip to Hartz Range 

Amazing patterns. They are so precise.  Makky, when are you heading to Harts Range?

Mouse

By the time we get there is will probably be around the 24th June and we will probably stay a bit over a fortnight

[gammyknee]

. I am suspecting it is a simulant.(man made) but I am still unsure and further tests are required
 

No, it is natural and not man made. Similar inclusions to Rockgirl's piece also.
I am interested if you find some MakkyBrown

[Fullerton]

There's only one known site for this premium material and from feedback I've had,  it was dug out a while ago. Unless a new find is made ...

[gammyknee]

That is the challenge Fullerton....

Meanwhile, here is some stone from Brazil. Taken at different angles. Scratch marks allow for depth of field......thats my story and Im sticking to it.

[MakkyBrown]

There's only one known site for this premium material and from feedback I've had,  it was dug out a while ago. Unless a new find is made ...

Fullerton, if you know where the dug out dig site is would you be able to pm me it's location. I have come across a couple of references but nothing exact.

Cheers
Andrew