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History & Introduction

Sunstone is considered to be a feldspar gemstone consisting of glittery appearance and usually an orange or reddish color. The glitter effect is due to the inclusions of the mineral Hematite, or even Goethite or Pyrite (and in one rare instance, Copper). The term used to describe this effect is exhibited on Sunstone is aventurescence.

Not every sunstone exhibits strong aventurescence or schiller. The strength of the optical phenomenon due to the size of additions that are naturally composed of hematite or goethite. Smaller enclosures is to show more sheen, while larger inclusions mainly appear as glittery, spangled metallic reflections. With the radiance of the sun and the fire of the solar ray, Sunstone possess the energy of Ra, the sun god, who brings the energy from all potential life within the Earth. It is considered to have the quality of Leadership - of freedom, personal power and expanded consciousness. Completely reflecting the qualities of Light, it has benevolence along with warmth, strength, mental clarity, willingness and ability to bestow blessings upon others. It is well known stone for joy, Sunstone inspires the nurturing of self in order to be of service to others. It reinstates the enjoyment of life, humble nature and gives a sense of richness.

It is named for its warm shades of gold, orange, reds and browns that sparkle like the sun. Enclosures done on Goethite or Hematite deflect light between the various layers of crystal and produce an iridescent effect as the stone is viewed from various angles. Appearance of sunstone tends to be clear and transparent, or opaque, and is freely available on the market. Occasionally we get examples of clean red sunstone.

Sunstone is naturally reddish to orange in color and its spangled appearance is reminiscent of the sun, hence its name 'sunstone'. There are actually a few different varieties of sunstone available now. Sunstone can be varieties of plagioclase (oligoclase sunstone) feldspar, or potassium feldspar (orthoclase sunstone).

Recognize - Sunstone frequently are recognized by its glittery aventurescence alone, however it can sometimes be confused with other aventurescent gems such as aventurine quartz, or even other similar feldspars, such as orthoclase moonstone. It may also be confused with goldstone, aventurescent Italian glass with copper enclosures tends to be artificial. Sunstone is little softer as compared to quartz with a hardness rating of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. The density of the stone ranges from 2.62 to 2.65 and its refractive index from 1.525 and 1548. Sunstone is popular to show absolute cleavage, which can be a helpful unique trait.

Availability - Though sunstone deposits is found in various locations across the globe, no single source is found through which it is mined commercially. Some of the more significant, notable deposits come from Madagascar, India, Canada, Norway, Russia and the USA (Oregon, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Utah). Oregon in USA is well known for producing sunstone in addition with the traces of copper.

Usages - Sunstone that is opaque is cut into cabochons or polished into beads, which is further used to make bracelets, necklaces, and ornamental objects. Sunstone available in the transparent forms are faceted into gemstone cuts for purpose of jewelry bracelets, rings, earrings and many more.

Buying Guide

Color - Sunstone is typically red-brown in body color with a metallic shimmering effect caused by tiny platelets of hematite, pyrite or goethite. The sunstone from Oregon, USA, shimmers because of the presence of copper. Sunstone schiller mainly give red, gold, orange or yellow shimmer, however occasionally, it even occurs in green or blue.

Clarity and Lustre - Sunstone is naturally translucent to opaque, though some very fine materials are highly transparent. Sunstone is well known for its sparkling inclusions. It is the presence of these enclosures because of which attractive schiller or aventurescence is obtained. When cut and polished, sunstone gives a vitreous luster that is often described as sparkling.

Cut and Shape - Sunstone is usually faceted with flat and large surface that are excellent to maximize the reflection of metallic inclusions. There are translucent to opaque materials available to cut en cabochon, especially those that show chatoyancy or star (asterism) effects. The popular shapes are pears, ovals and rounds, however other fancy shapes are also found.

Treatment - Sunstone is not known to be treated or enhanced in any way.

Gemological Characteristics:

Chemical Formula (Ca,Na)[(AlSi)2Si2O8]; Sodium calcium aluminum silicate
Crystal Structure solid aggregates, (Triclinic), rare,
Color red, orange, pink, brown,
Hardness 6 to 6.5
Refractive Index 1.525 to 1.548
Density 2.62 to 2.65
Cleavage Perfect
Transparency Transparent, translucent to opaque
Double Refraction or Birefringence 0.010
Lustre Vitreous
Fluorescence Dark brown-red
Mineral Class Microcline or Oligoclase


  • Red Sunstone
  • Orange Sunstone