Sunstone (feldspar) from this gem field comes in a variety of colors. Most common is a light straw-yellow color. Most highly prized is the deeply saturated reddish-orange sunstone (Hence the name "Sunstone). The reddish color is a result of trace amounts of copper. When the copper is present as tiny platelets, light can reflect from the surface of the platelets and cause an iridescence termed "Schiller." This gem has several layers of Schiller that are nearly perpendicular to the table. The photograph of this stone was taken with illumination configured to show the light reflecting off the irridescent platelets. The body color of this gem is beautiful, and the Schiller adds an additonal mark of distinction (Do you think Cindy Crawford looks better with, or without, that "Beauty Mark"?). This gemstone would work well as the centerpiece of a pendant or occasional-use ring.

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