Springtime
- GEMSTONE: Oregon Sunstone, 35.94 carat fantasy cut
- ARTIST: Darryl Alexander, Arizona
- MINE: Sunstone Butte Mine, Oregon
- MUSEUM: UA Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum, Tucson, Arizona
The spring is the time of year that new things come alive and the unexpected happens.
Certainly, most mines we visit (but not all) pretty much “go dormant” during the winter. During the winter, new plans are formed and preparations made. As the mining season unfolds, we get to see the directions and growth that the various branches of the American mining industry take. It is always fun to get back out into the field once again.
The unexpected happens when searching for beautiful Oregon Sunstone gemstones. When sorting out material to find gems, we have learned to pay attention to stones that are covered in basalt, but have a peculiar shape with sharper corners and flat edges; instead of irregular, strictly rock-like features. These stones are set aside because of the shape. We call them “Mystery Stones”, because you never know what can be found inside. The Mystery Stones are typically tumbled in large batches in a cement mixer to remove part of the basalt surface so that they may be inspected better. Some beautiful Oregon Sunstones are found in this way.
Springtime was just such a “Mystery Stone”. However, instead of tumbling, we tested it individually by nipping away at the basalt covering with a pair of tile pliers. There, unfolding before our eyes, was the piece of Oregon Sunstone rough that became Springtime. Sometime the most unassuming appearing rock can bloom into something beautiful.
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