mineral

Sunstone (Feldspar)

Plagioclase / Potassium Feldspar (KAlSi3O8 / (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si2-3O8)

Hardness: 6-6.5 Mohs scale. Color: Peach, salmon pink, orange-brown with schiller effect. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Triclinic. Cleavage: Perfect in two directions intersecting at nearly 90 degrees. Specific gravity: 2.56-2.62.

Hardness: 6-6
Color: Peach, salmon pink, orange-brown with schiller effect
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified July 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in igneous rocks, particularly in basalt flows or pegmatites, where copper or hematite inclusions align parallel to crystal planes as the magma cools and crystallizes.

Uses & applications

Popular as a gemstone for jewelry making (cabochons, beads, rings), as well as being widely collected as a tumbled specimen and used in ornamental carvings.

Geological facts

The shimmering effect in sunstone is called aventurescence or 'schiller', which is caused by light reflecting off tiny microscopic platelets of hematite, copper, or goethite inside the mineral.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its characteristic salmon-pink to orange hue with subtle glistening reflections under direct light and distinct feldspar cleavage lines. Frequently found in India, Norway, Madagascar, Russia, and the United States (Oregon).

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust

Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)

sedimentary

Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

mineral

Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)

Mineral

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock