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Gemstone profile and identification guide

Sunstone

Sunstone is a feldspar gemstone exhibiting aventurescent glitter from reflective inclusions.

6.5 Mohs Orange, Red Orange Silicate (Feldspar Variety: Sunstone)
Sunstone

Overview

Sunstone is a feldspar gemstone exhibiting aventurescent glitter from reflective inclusions.

Did you know? Oregon sunstone can contain native copper platelets causing strong schiller.

Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.

Identification

Name: Sunstone

Scientific classification: Silicate (Feldspar Variety: Sunstone)

Hardness: 6.5 Mohs

Transparency: transparent

Lustre: vitreous

Crystal system: Triclinic

Primary colour: Orange

Secondary colour: Red Orange

Colour family: Oranges & Yellows

Aventurescence and feldspar optical properties identify sunstone.

Verification Status

Status: verified-core-fields

Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society

Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.

Trade-name and treatment-sensitive entries include explicit disclosure language where applicable.

Physical Properties

Hardness category: hard

Hardness value: 6.5 Mohs

Chemical composition: Feldspar compositions, commonly oligoclase/labradorite with hematite/copper platelets

Crystal system: Triclinic

Common locations: United States (Oregon), India, Tanzania, Norway

Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.

Colour Variations

Transparent to translucent feldspar with aventurescent glitter.

Optical effects: Aventurescence

Detailed Gemology

Mineral species: Feldspar sunstone varieties

Mineral group: Feldspar group

Chemical formula: Feldspar compositions, commonly oligoclase/labradorite with hematite/copper platelets

Mohs hardness: 6.5

Crystal system: Triclinic

Lustre: vitreous

Transparency: transparent

Streak: White

Cleavage: Perfect in two directions

Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven

Specific gravity: 2.62-2.75

Refractive index: 1.53-1.57

Optical phenomena: Aventurescence

Colour range: Orange, red-orange, champagne

Common inclusions: Species-dependent inclusions and growth features

Geological environment: Species-dependent

Principal mining regions: United States (Oregon), India, Tanzania, Norway

Important commercial sources: Commercial sunstone includes multiple feldspar sources and compositions

Historical significance: Recognized in gemological and lapidary trade.

Common treatments: Treatment status varies by product; disclose when present.

Synthetic or imitation forms: Imitations may exist depending on species.

Common look-alikes: Species-dependent look-alikes.

Jewellery uses: Used in faceted gems, cabochons, and collector cuts.

Care recommendations: Moderate hardness and cleavage require careful setting for daily wear.

Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Sunstone.

Formation

Feldspar crystallization with plate-like inclusions produces glitter effect.

Origin

Commercial sunstone includes multiple feldspar sources and compositions

Uses

Best for: Used in faceted gems, cabochons, and collector cuts.

Ideal uses: Warm-color gems with visible sparkle.

Sunstone FAQ

How can I identify Sunstone?

Compare hardness (6.5 Mohs), crystal system (Triclinic), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.

What colour range does Sunstone appear in?

Transparent to translucent feldspar with aventurescent glitter.

Where is Sunstone commonly used?

Warm-color gems with visible sparkle.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.