The Scoop
The Diffused Oregon Sunstone Controversy
Oregon Sunstone is the only Labradorite-Feldspar in the world that contains Natural copper producing an explosion of Red, Orange, Greens, rare Blues, and some combinations of these colors that makes Oregon Sunstone in our view the most beautiful gem in the world. This explains why many people would have a vested interested in taking Sunstones such as the clears without natural copper from Mexico and diffusing Copper into them in an attempt to produce the look of an Oregon Natural Sunstone. They use a process called diffusion where a gem is heated to intense tempertures and material such as copper is burned deep into the stone to alter it's appearance, but fortunately the natural Oregon Copper Bearing Gems are not easily duplicated. That however has not kept heat treaters particuarly from Thailand from making a huge effort to create a perfect fake.
The diffusion process has been documented by gem authorities and gemologists around the world. Some have done extensive research and testing and have published their results. We owe these people a debt of gratitude for their efforts. I reference an article in the May/June 2008 edition of the Colored-Stone magazine by the Editor and Chief, Mr. David Federman. Mr. Federman documents the creation of diffused Sunstones, their subsequent sale on the open market, and touches on the impact that this deception has had on the sale of Natural Sunstones from the State of Oregon. Almost every year we make a trip to the big Gemshow in Tucson, and we have witnessed first hand the continuing effort by unscrupulous dealers to pass off diffused gems as natural Oregon Gems. They really are not apologetic either. They just do it, because they can, and for the most part they get away with the deception.
Now in all honesty we have to ask if this is anything new, and the answer is no it's not. Deception has occurred in the world of gems virtually from the beginning of time. The Oregon Sunstone is simply one of the latest natural gems to be victimized, and the impact upon legitimate dealers has been terrible. Why? The answer is pretty simple. Cheating dealers wlll look you stright in the eye and claim that their product is real and that those legiimate Oregon dealers are selling you fakes, so who does the buying public believe? It's tough, but there are steps that can be taken to help clean up the mess, and we have what we consider to be some positive suggestions in that regard.
First of all get to know your dealer. Find out where they are from and how long they have been in the business. Also ask where they obtained their gems? Did they personally get them from Oregon, or did they buy them from some overseas dealer who told them they were real? If you can't find out satisfactory answers they walk away. Secondly, it is fair to ask for written, and legally binding documentation of the gem being purchased. Most dishonest dealers will find an excuse not to sign off on the gem. If that is the case, then again, walk away. Last of all buyers need to do some research. Try to make every effort to aquaiint yourself with the Oregon Sunstone, because they have a unique look. We can spot a fake a mile away, and the public with a bit of effort can too. Get to know your gems and shop around from dealer to dealer and soon silly mistakes can become a thing of the past.
If we can be of any help please don't hesitate to contact us. We love to discuss gems in general and Oregon Sunstones and Opals specifically. We have been in the business since 1987, and have visited 15 foreign Countries and we are more than willing to share what we have learned. The Gem world can be cleaned up, and the best people to do it are honest dealers and a dedicated buying public who insists upon Honesty and Integrity. Together we can make a difference.
Jim Stewart
www.OregonSunstoneGem.com
Email: sales@oregonsunstonegem.com
Feedback Responses
"Mr. Stewart: Thank you for your informative review of the Labradorite problems. Currently there are pending lawsuits regarding these issues, and I find your insights very helpful by bringing additional focus to the deception being dumped on the buying public. Keep up the good work." 1/26/09 - C.B. Portland, Oregon.
Mr Stewart: "Feel free to provide the link to the long article on your website, or wherever else you can help people find this vital information. Education is a vital first step in reversing the damage that has been accumulating over time. " 4/8/10 - Dr. Joel Arem. **Website Response** I deeply appreciate this communication from Dr. Arem, and urge every person interested in Deceptive Gem practices to take advantage of this wealth of information that Dr. Joel Arem's article provides.
http://www.colored-stone.com/stories/may09/new-gemstone-treatments.cfm