mineral

Sunstone

Plagioclase Feldspar (Na,Ca)(Si,Al)3O8

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

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.

Hardness: 6-6
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified July 26, 2026More mineral →

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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.