Currently, there are two known (and one reported) deposits of this gem mineral in Oregon: the initial discovery 33 lzm north of Plush in Lake County, south-central Oregon, which has been alternately referred to as the Plush, Lalzeview, Rabbit Hills, or Rabbit Basin location; a small deposit report- ed near the White
Where can I dig for labradorite?
The geological type area for labradorite is Paul’s Island near the town of Nain in Labrador, Canada. It has also been reported in Poland, Norway, Finland and various other locations worldwide, with notable distribution in Madagascar, China, Australia, Slovakia and the United States.
Is Oregon a sunstone labradorite?
Hold a nugget of Oregon sunstone in your palm, and you will understand why the 1987 Oregon legislature designated it as the official state gemstone. A feldspar member of the labradorite family, it is sometimes called red labradorite. Only in Oregon are sunstones found in fine gem quality.
Where can I dig for Sunstones in Oregon?
Sunstones are only found in the State around the area of Plush, Oregon. Plush is a tiny, unincorporated community in Lake County, not too far north of the California border. Situated near Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge, it’s a ruggedly beautiful place with some of the darkest night skies in the entire United States.
Can labradorite be found in the US?
Labradorite is mainly found in Canada and Finland and comes from commercial mines. Mindat lists quite a few places across the US, but any serious information is sparse.
What does raw labradorite look like?
It occurs most frequently as light to dark gray or gray-green in rough form with large crystalline planes and seams throughout. In high quality material the crystalline structure is such that at the right angle, it refracts a large spectrum of colors from various layers within the material.
Is labradorite rare or common?
rare
The color and the schiller are the rare minerals, the gold (Labradorite) is the most common material that they mine and produce. There are also Feldspar mines in most major gem producing countries, Mexico, Africa (Tanzania, Kenya), India, etc.
Are Oregon sunstones worth anything?
Pale yellow to colorless, non-phenomenal Oregon sunstones, whether native-cut or calibrated stones, may go for a few dollars per carat to $20 per carat for a custom cut. Pinks and tans, with and without a schiller effect, commonly range up to $50 per carat, depending on the effect.
Where can I dig for gems in Oregon?
The Ten Best Locations to Rockhound in Oregon
- The Owyhee Canyonlands. County: Malheur.
- Priday Agate Beds. County: Jefferson.
- Glass Butte. County: Lake.
- The Nehalem River. County: Columbia.
- Lakeview Area. County: Lake.
- Opal Butte. County: Morrow.
- Mt. Pisgah.
- Maury Mountains. County: Crook.
Are Oregon sunstones rare?
Oregon Sunstone is extremely rare. Fully transparent, top gemmy quality of colored and/or copper schiller Sunstone is not found anywhere else in the world. Value of this amazing gem ranges from 8 US dollars per carat all the way through 4,500 US dollars per carat.
Can you find amethyst in Oregon?
according to your first link, amethyst crystals are in Oregon but “are not nearly as brilliant in color as the amethyst crystals found in South America. Oregon amethyst is much more pale in comparison”. This pretty much fits the description of my sample with its faint purplish hue.
Where are geodes found in Oregon?
You can find geodes in the high desert near Prineville and Mandras and the great forests of Central Oregon, such as the Ochoco National Forest. Another great place to find geodes is in the Eastern Succor Creek Canyon of Oregon. The Calapooia River in the county of Linn is also noted for its geodes.
What do sunstones look like?
Most sunstones have yellow, orange, or brown bodycolor. Green is extremely rare. Small inclusions create a reddish or golden sheen on top of any bodycolor, while larger inclusions create attractive, glittery reflections. Sunstone inclusions can be hematite, copper, or some other mineral.
Where is most labradorite found?
The most highly prized labradorite is found in Finland and Canada. Labradorite can also be found however, in various locations around Australia, Costa Rica, Germany, Madagascar, Mexico, Norway, Russia, and the United States.
What is labradorite worth?
An inexpensive gemstone, you could expect to pay roughly $40 a carat for high-quality Labradorite. The most expensive color is red, which will fetch a significantly higher price per carat.
What does real labradorite look like?
This is to see what color these stones come in. Labradorite is usually blue and green, yellow and orange, and sometimes can have purple hues. Due to the labradorescence, these colors play in the sun and shimmer, creating a fantastic rainbow effect.
Can labradorite get wet?
Yes, labradorite can get wet. However, as with most crystals, gems, stones, and minerals – you should use caution when putting labradorite in water.
How do you pick a labradorite?
Look for clarity in the iridescence. Also look for strong colors, as well as the existence of multiple colors and striations. The clearer the striations and the wider the range of colors, the more beautiful the labradorescence is likely to be.
Is moonstone the same as labradorite?
Labradorite is made from calcium sodium, while Moonstone is made of potassium sodium. This means that even though Labradorite and Moonstone have a lot in common, they are two very distinct minerals.
Why does labradorite glow?
The visual phenomenon referred to is called ‘labradorescence . It is also sometimes known as the ‘Schiller effect’. Put simply- ha ha – this effect is caused by light diffraction (splitting) within lamellar intergrowths. These are adjacent layers of separate molecules.
Is labradorite a stone or crystal?
Labradorite is known for its changing colors, so it is no surprise this gemstone is known as a stone of transformation, enhancing strength of will and inner worth.