9.85 carat Sun Stone cabochon, 16 x 6 x 6 mm, from Malawi – unique piece
This 9.85 carat Sun Stone from Malawi measures 16 x 6 x 6 mm and has been cut as an elongated cabochon. The stone displays intense orange to reddish tones and shows a clearly visible, finely sparkling structure that is characteristic of high quality Sun Stone. The smoothly polished surface enhances this effect and allows the light to move vividly across the stone, creating an attractive shimmering appearance. Its slender and elegant shape makes this specimen particularly suitable for modern jewelry designs and highlights the natural beauty of the material.
Geology & origin
Sun Stone belongs to the feldspar group and is usually described as a variety of plagioclase. The mineral is known for its warm colors and fine light reflecting inclusions that are responsible for its characteristic shimmer. Deposits in Malawi are among the known African sources of gem quality material of this type. The stones form in magmatic rocks where feldspar minerals crystallize during the cooling of molten rock. This specimen shows the typical properties of Sun Stone from this region in a particularly attractive form.
Application note
The stone is suitable, among other things, for jewelry making such as pendants, rings, or collector pieces for gemstone enthusiasts. During setting or processing the stone should be protected from strong impacts, as feldspar minerals can be relatively sensitive to mechanical stress. For cleaning, lukewarm water and a soft cloth are recommended; aggressive cleaning agents or ultrasonic cleaning should be avoided.