Gold Filled Victorian Era Glittering Sunstone Goldstone Brooch Pin early 1900s

Beautiful glittering Victorian era Sunstone Brooch Pin, set in unmarked, gold filled bezel with twisted wire frame with c-clasp pin closure. A gem belonging to the feldspar group, (similar to moonstone, labradorite, & amazonite) is known for its distinct and lively glitter called “aventurescence”. This sparkling effect is caused by flat, reflective inclusions, typically of copper or hematite. In the early 1800s sunstone was a little-known, rare, and costly gemstone. It wasn’t until finds in Norway, Siberia, and other parts of the world that sunstone became somewhat more widely recognized, more available, and less expensive. In the US state of Oregon in the early 1900s, there were reports of sunstone finds in ancient lava fields in a desert area called Warner Valley. Even earlier, Native Americans in that area might have been the first collectors of Warner Valley sunstones. According to Native American legend, the blood of a great warrior – wounded by an arrow - dropped onto pieces of Oregon sunstone. The blood carried his warrior spirit into the stones, coloring them with shades of red and giving them sacred power. Bezel measures 42mm length; 34mm width. Pin extends slightly past bezel at a total length of 45mm (1.75 inches). Gem has a 1mm beveled edge. Total length of gem measures 38mm length, while gem face measures 36mm length. C-clasp pin functions well. Pin opens easily and stays closed on its own when fastened.