mineral
Sunstone
Oligoclase feldspar, (Na,Ca)(Al,Si)4O8
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale, reddish-orange to brown color, vitreous luster, and distinct schiller effect caused by tiny copper or hematite platelet inclusions.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale, reddish-orange to brown color, vitreous luster, and distinct schiller effect caused by tiny copper or hematite platelet inclusions.
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks, particularly basaltic lava flows and pegmatites, often originating from volcanic activity millions of years ago.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a gemstone in rings, pendants, and earrings, as well as valued by mineral collectors for its optical sheen.
Geological facts
Sunstone is the state gemstone of Oregon and gets its signature metallic shimmer, known as aventurescence, from reflective microscopic inclusions.
Field identification & locations
Identify it by its characteristic metallic sparkle when rotated under a light. Commonly sourced from Oregon, USA, India, and Norway.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous