mineral
Sunstone
Plagioclase Feldspar (Na,Ca)(Si,Al)3O8
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Peach, orange, translucent brownish-pink with schiller effect. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal System: Triclinic. Specific gravity: 2.62-2.65.
- Hardness
- 6-6
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
Identified More mineral →
Explore Sunstone in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Peach, orange, translucent brownish-pink with schiller effect. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal System: Triclinic. Specific gravity: 2.62-2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous environments, primarily within basaltic lava flows and pegmatites where copper or hematite inclusions develop during crystallization.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as a gemstone in jewelry (cabochons, beads, carved stones) and collected as a mineral specimen.
Geological facts
The characteristic metallic shimmer in sunstone is called aventurescence or 'schiller', caused by light reflecting off tiny inclusions of native copper, hematite, or goethite inside the mineral.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive golden/orange schiller flash when turned under light and feldspar cleavage. Commonly found in Oregon (USA), India, Madagascar, Norway, and Canada.
