mineral

Sunstone

Aventurine Feldspar (Plagioclase Feldspar with inclusions)

Hardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, reddish-orange with metallic glitters (schiller effect); Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions; Specific gravity: 2.62–2.65.

Hardness: 6-6
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified April 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous rocks like basalt and metamorphic rocks. The 'sun' effect is caused by tiny plate-like inclusions of copper or hematite settled within the crystal during cooling. Most commercial deposits are found in lava flows.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry as a gemstone, often cut into cabochons or faceted. It is also a popular collector's mineral and used in metaphysical practices.

Geological facts

Oregon Sunstone is the official state gemstone of Oregon, USA. It is unique because its inclusions are made of pure copper, unlike sunstones from other parts of the world which usually contain hematite or goethite.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its 'schiller' or aventurescence—a metallic flash when rotated under light. Look for the distinct cleavage of feldspar. Commonly found in Oregon (USA), Norway, Tanzania, and India.

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