| Sunstones are; Oregon Sunstones are plagioclase feldspar formed in lava flows that cover much of southeastern Oregon. Within the lava flow is a matrix in which the colored sunstones are found. The sunstone flow is usually (not always) covered by a hard cap-rock known as Basalt that can be up to several feet thick. Feldspar crystals can be found in the Basalt that covers sunstone deposits. Red labradorite or andesine, to our knowledge, has never been PROVEN to have been found anywhere in the world outside of Oregon. Calling red labradorite “Sunstone” is confusing because there are several other non related adventurescent gemstones from India and Tanzania being called sunstone. We use the name Oregon Sunstone to describe the transluscent adventurescent / schiller labradorite / andesine containing light reflecting native copper platelets. |
| Rock & Arrowhead Club Klamath Falls ~ Oregon |
| ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This club was established many years ago as a non-profit organization to promote interest, knowledge and understanding in the various earth sciences...in particular, the subjects of mineralogy, geology, archeology, paleontology and lapidary. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
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| Denise Sebastian Webmaster updated 9-27-11 Copyright 2007-2009 © Rock and Arrowhead Club All Rights Reserved |
| Maps are PDF files, that if clicked will open in another window for printing |
Plush Sunstone Field Trip If you need a map with the directions, PLEASE e-mail me, and I'll get it off to you immediately. You can also download a copy here, in an image file, or PDF file. This field trip is to the club’s claims northeast of Lakeview, Oregon. It's a bit of a drive from Klamath Falls, being roughly 170 miles, 30 on semi-improved dirt roads. I'm working on a Google Map applet on that page....please let me know if it works or not. Sunstones can be picked up on the ground or can be hard-rock mined in the pit. There are no trees, sagebrush being the only vegetation, so bring shade, chairs, and lots of water. Bring cloths that you can layer, as the temp will range from 30'f in the mornings to 80'f in the afternoon. The wind may also blow, so be prepared. The rock club has about 60 acres. The public Sunstone area is about 15 minutes away and consists of about 2500 acres. Items to bring for collecting Sunstones on the surface would be a small rake, shovel, a screen (quarter-inch and/or half inch), and a bag or bucket to put the Sunstone's in. Sunstone's lying on the surface can be collected without the need for any tools. All that is needed is a bag or bucket to put the Sunstones in. Hardrock mining can be done in the pit, so bring hammers, pry-bars, and lots of muscle and fortitude. You may also wish to bring extra water for washing your specimens. A stiff brush can be handy wet or dry. Traditionally, with these RAC facilitated Field Trips, the Sunstone trips, we'll do an impromptu Pot-Luck Sat. evening, so think about a dish to bring, but be prepared if participation is minimal. There is no toilet in the area. Arrangements to have a porta- potti facility hauled out to the site are being made, but be prepared if this doesn't come to pass. If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to call, Charlie, 541-273-1102. Posted 6/16/2010 |
| Rock & Arrowhead Club of Klamath Falls If you have any clip art or pics to contribute, please send to us. e-mail to webmaster@klamathrockclub.org We really need content, members, past and present, please help with old photo's, stories or maps, if you have any...Thank You- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We are a member of the Northwest Federation of Mineralogical Societies, check their website at: http://amfed.org/nfms/index.html We are also affiliated with: American Federation of Mineralogical Societies Oregon Council of Rock & Mineral Clubs |
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