mineral

Sunstone

Plagioclase Feldspar (Na,Ca)(Al,Si)4O8

Hardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Orange, reddish-brown, or peach; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Features: Schiller effect (aventurescence) due to tiny inclusions.

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

Identified July 18, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Orange, reddish-brown, or peach; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Features: Schiller effect (aventurescence) due to tiny inclusions.

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous environments, particularly in basaltic lava flows or pegmatites. The orange color and glitter usually come from copper or hematite inclusions trapped during crystallization.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone for jewelry (rings, pendants, beads) and as a collector's mineral specimen.

Geological facts

The shimmering effect is called aventurescence. Oregon Sunstone is a unique variety containing copper flakes and was designated the state gemstone of Oregon in 1987.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its characteristic metallic-like glitter when rotated under light and its feldspar cleavage. Commonly found in Oregon (USA), Norway, India, and Tanzania.