Solar Power

I always look for ways to be inspired by the natural world and have been playing with a few gems that remind me of the sun and its magnificent glow…what a perfect way to keep its power close by all year round!

 

Cabochon cut Sunstones

You can spot a sunstone by its glimmering flash or shimmer which is due to metallic copper inclusions which are unique to Oregon Sunstone. It can be lightly sprinkled throughout the stone or deposited very densely to the point of affecting brilliance. Just looking at it makes me feel radiant.

 

Citrine

Natural citrine can be found in the Ural Mountains of Russia, France, and in Madagascar. Natural citrine is rare, and today most citrine quartz is the result of heat treatment of amethyst quartz. Most heat-treated amethyst turned citrine comes from Brazil. Wherever it hails from, all I know is that I am crazy about those sunny hues.

 

Mexican Fire Opal

As fierce as the name suggests, fire opal begs to be in the spotlight. The color is so vibrant, it actually looks like flames. Found mainly in Mexico, consequently, these gems are often referred to as “Mexican Opals.” While other variations of opal exhibit a large play-of-color, fire opals display much less. Seems like you don’t need as much play-of-color when you’ve got blazing beauty.

 

Rutilated Quartz

Found in Australia, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Norway, Pakistan and the United States, this gem is formed when thin needles of color (often gold and silver strands), called rutiles, form within quartz. These “imperfections” or “impurities” have formed and rather than detracting, they add value to the stone. Rutilated quartz has an understated, yet poetic sophistication. Embrace your imperfections.

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