Colorless, milky white, peach, or gray body color showing a floating blue or silvery billowy light sheen (adularescence)...
Chemical formula
(K,Na)AlSi₃O₈ (Potassium-Sodium Aluminum Silicate lamellar intergrowth)
Feldspar • Oligoclase / Labradorite (Plagioclase or Orthoclase Feldspar)
Sunstone
Warm golden, peach, or coppery-red body color sparkling with metallic schiller (aventurescence) from aligned specular hematite or copper inclusions.
(Na,Ca)(Al,Si)₄O₈ with Hematite or Native Copper plateletsMohs 6.0 – 6.5 Mohs
Mineralogical & Gemological Profile
| Mineral Family | Feldspar |
|---|---|
| Mineral Species | Oligoclase / Labradorite (Plagioclase or Orthoclase Feldspar) |
| Gemological Variety | Sunstone (Aventurine Feldspar) |
| Chemical Composition | (Na,Ca)(Al,Si)₄O₈ with Hematite or Native Copper platelets |
| Crystal System | Triclinic (or Monoclinic in orthoclase sunstone) |
| Mohs Hardness | 6.0 – 6.5 Mohs |
| Specific Gravity | 2.62 – 2.68 |
| Refractive Index | 1.537 – 1.547 |
Color Characteristics & Optical Behavior
Warm golden, peach, or coppery-red body color sparkling with metallic schiller (aventurescence) from aligned specular hematite or copper inclusions.
Geological Context & Pakistani / Global Localities
Found in pegmatites and basaltic flows in Tanzania, India, Norway, and Oregon (USA).
Collector Interest & Rarity Factors
Lattice sunstones and vivid copper-bearing schiller gems.
Fine Jewelry Applications
Cabochons, portrait-cut tablets, and artisan pendants.
Treatment Considerations & Disclosure
Natural sunstone is untreated; synthetic 'Goldstone' (copper-flecked glass) is an artificial imitation and never sold as sunstone.
Care & Cleaning Instructions
Clean gently with lukewarm soapy water and a soft cloth; avoid mechanical shock along cleavage planes.
Traditional Meaning
Traditional Symbolism & Cultural Heritage
Associated with warmth, vitality, and illumination.
Note: Cultural and birthstone traditions are presented strictly as historical folklore, never as scientifically verified medical or metaphysical effects.
Feldspar
Related Entries
Smoky dark gray body color flashing electric iridescent peacock blue, gold, green, and violet (labradorescence) via lamellar interference.
Chemical formula
(Ca,Na)(Al,Si)₄O₈ (50–70% Anorthite, 30–50% Albite)