mineral

Sunstone

(Ca,Na)((Al,Si)2Si2)O8 (Plagioclase Feldspar)

Hardness: 6-6.5; Color: Orange, reddish-brown, or peach with metallic glitter; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions.

Hardness: 6-6
Color: Orange, reddish-brown, or peach with metallic glitter
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified June 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-6.5; Color: Orange, reddish-brown, or peach with metallic glitter; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions.

Formation & geological history

Formed in cooling igneous rocks (lava flows) or metamorphic environments. The 'schiller' or glitter effect is caused by tiny inclusions of copper or hematite plates.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone for jewelry (beads, cabochons, facets) and as a collector's specimen.

Geological facts

Oregon Sunstone is the official state gemstone of Oregon, USA, and is unique because its shimmer is caused by microscopic elemental copper inclusions.

Field identification & locations

Identify by looking for 'aventurescence' (a metallic glittery reflection). It is commonly found in basaltic lava flows in Oregon (USA), Norway, Tanzania, and India.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

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