mineral

Sunstone

Oligoclase (Feldspar variety), (Na,Ca)(Si,Al)4O8

Hardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Warm red, orange, or gold with metallic flashes; Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions; Schiller effect (aventurescence).

Hardness: 6-6
Color: Warm red, orange, or gold with metallic flashes
Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous

Identified April 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous or metamorphic rocks through the crystallization of magma or lava. The characteristic shimmer is caused by tiny inclusions of copper or hematite plates that reflect light.

Uses & applications

Primary use is in the gemstone and jewelry industry as cabochons or faceted stones. It is also a popular collector's mineral.

Geological facts

Oregon Sunstone is unique because its shimmer is caused by copper, while sunstones from other regions typically get their flash from hematite or goethite. It became the official state gemstone of Oregon in 1987.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive metallic 'glitter' (aventurescence) when rotated in light. Often found in basaltic lava flows and pegmatites. High-quality specimens are found in South-Central Oregon, USA, as well as Norway and India.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral