mineral
Sunstone
Plagioclase Feldspar (Na,Ca)(Al,Si)4O8
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 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
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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.
