A natural sunstone of 8.90 carats, about 9.78 ratti, at Rs. 2,510 – roughly Rs. 282 per carat. This is the highest rate per carat in this category, where the lowest is Rs. 226.

The sparkling inclusions, measured

The glitter in sunstone is caused by inclusions, so the name is literally accurate – but it is also easy to claim, so here is what the photograph actually shows.

Bright, warm-toned flecks standing clearly above the surface around them cover about 2.44% of this stone's face, where across the ten stones here the figure runs from 1.21% to 3.37%. That puts it third of the ten, in the upper part of the range. Looked at closely, the flecks gather into a distinct glittering patch rather than spreading as a general shimmer over the whole dome, which is what a real raft of copper platelets looks like as opposed to a merely shiny surface.

Being a large stone with a genuine schiller is most of why this one is the dearest per carat here.

Inclusions that are a feature, not a flaw

In most gemstones an inclusion lowers the value. In sunstone it is the value. Microscopic plates of copper settled in parallel sheets as the feldspar crystal cooled, and light striking them bounces back as a metallic flash that shifts as the stone turns. The effect is called aventurescence; without it a sunstone is simply a brown feldspar.

So when you examine this stone, do not look for clarity in the way you would with a sapphire. Turn it in a single strong light and watch the flecks come alive and go out again.

The rest of it, plainly

The body is a deep brown – about 92% of the face reads as brown and the orange share is a little over 1%, the lowest in this category. This is a dark stone whose appeal is the glitter against that dark ground, not its colour. If colour is what you want, another stone here suits you better and costs less.

Softer than household dust

At Mohs 6 to 6.5, sunstone is softer than the quartz in ordinary dust, about 7. The polish is doing the work of letting light in to those copper plates, so keeping the surface clean matters more here than on a harder stone. Re-polishing is inexpensive.

What has not been tested

Sunstone is usually untreated as a general rule. This stone has no laboratory report and its treatment has not been tested, so that is the norm for the material rather than a statement about this piece.

Care and ordering

Warm water, mild soap, a soft cloth. No ultrasonic cleaner, no steam. One stone, sold once. Message us on WhatsApp for more photographs, and we deliver across Pakistan.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural sunstone with a weight of 8.9 Carat. Its price is Rs. 2,510 — roughly Rs. 282 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-SS-0009 when you message us about it. The photographs show this exact stone, so what arrives at your door is the piece you chose on screen.

From six carats up a stone becomes the centre of attention. It wants a broader shank or a secure claw setting and suits an occasion ring, a signet or a centre pendant. Clean natural material of this size turns up far less often, and the per-carat rate reflects that.

On the Mohs scale sunstone rates 6 to 6.5. That is middle-of-the-road hardness: comfortable in pendants and earrings, and in rings worn with some care. Store it apart from harder stones so it does not pick up scratches, and wipe it with a damp cloth rather than scrubbing.

Whoever you buy sunstone from, make sure of three things: the stone is natural rather than lab-grown, glass or glass-filled; any treatment is stated in writing; and the weight quoted is the weight of the finished stone. We check every sunstone for those three points before it is listed, a certificate is available on request, and because you pay on delivery you can look at the stone — or have it tested — before any money changes hands.

We sell natural stones only and inspect each one before it is listed. Treatment for this stone: Treatment not tested. Certificate available on request. As general background (not a statement about this stone): Sunstone is usually untreated. Ask us on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we know about this exact stone; independent lab testing is available on request.

A certificate of authenticity is available on request for this stone, and independent laboratory testing can be arranged. Because you pay on delivery, you can also take the stone to a lab of your choice within the 7-day return window. Read more on our authenticity page.