How do I identify Sunstone?

Sunstone can be identified by its hardness of 6 - 6.5 on the Mohs scale, Orange color, Vitreous luster, Triclinic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Sunstone?

Sunstone typically appears in Orange, yellow, red, green, colorless, brown and copper shiller. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Sunstone?

Sunstone has a hardness of 6 - 6.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Sunstone

A variety of Oligoclase

Precious GemstoneUncommon

What is Sunstone?

Sunstone is a type of feldspar that can often be yellow, orange or red and have a distinctive glitter called aventurescence. The most famous deposits in the United States are located in Oregon. Sunstone's lack of hardness means it is most often used for earrings, small pendants, and beads and is rarely subject to rough wear.

Uses & Applications

Sunstone is set into rings and used for earrings and necklaces. Smaller pieces of the stone often decorate spas and meditation centers. Along with being carved into beads and cabochons, the stone is also used for small figurines and sculptures. Clear pieces are used to make faceted jewelry stones.

Healing Properties

Sunstone is an energizing stone that activates all of the chakras. Its positive energy is thought to attract romance, happiness, and success. Along the way, it also alleviates fear, encourages independence, and improves self-esteem. Wear it as jewelry for constant effects, use it for meditation for specific areas, or keep it in the home for balance and stability.

Optical Properties

Refractive Index: 1.525-1.552
Birefringence: 0.007-0.010
Pleochroism: Weak or absent
Optical Character: Biaxial negative

Discover Values

Rarity

4.1out of 5.0

82%

Popularity

3.9out of 5.0

78%

Beauty

4.4out of 5.0

88%

Cultural Value

4.0out of 5.0

80%

Collection Value

4.3out of 5.0

86%

Sunstone Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Sunstone using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Sunstone Localities Map

See where Sunstone is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

The Meaning

Commonly associated with and named after the Sun, sunstone has been used by Vikings as a talisman on their journeys. According to Native American lore, this stone was formed on the place where a warrior was wounded - his blood fell on the rocks and a beautiful sunstone was created.

Associated Chakras

Sacral

Solar Plexus

Key Characteristics

Characteristics of Sunstone

The optical effect appears to be due to reflections from inclusions of red copper, in the form of minute scales, which are hexagonal, rhombic, or irregular in shape, and are disposed parallel to the principal cleavage-plane. These inclusions give the stone an appearance something like that of aventurine, hence sunstone is known also as "aventurine-feldspar". The optical effect called schiller and the color in Oregon Sunstone is due to copper. The middle part of this crystal sparkles, and usually the color is darkest in the middle and becomes lighter toward the outer edges. The feldspar which usually displays the aventurine appearance is oligoclase, though the effect is sometimes seen in orthoclase: hence two kinds of sunstone are distinguished as "oligoclase sunstone" and "orthoclase sunstone".