Sunstone
| Colour | Orange, Brown, Clear, Yellow, Red |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 6.0–6.5 |
| Crystal system | Triclinic |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent and opaque |
| Cleavage | 001 |
| Chemical formula | (Ca,Na)((Al,Si)SiO) |
| Specific gravity | 2.64–2.66 |
What is Sunstone?
Sunstone is a microcline or oligoclase feldspar, which when viewed from certain directions exhibits a spangled appearance. It has been found in Southern Norway, Sweden, various localities in the United States, and on some beaches along the midcoast of South Australia.
How to identify Sunstone
- Hardness: Mohs 6.0–6.5 — about as hard as a steel knife.
- Habit: Triclinic crystal system.
Sunstone in different forms
Stones often confused with Sunstone
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Sunstone?
Sunstone is Mohs 6.0–6.5 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Sunstone?
Sunstone is typically orange, brown, clear, yellow, red (Colorless, orange, yellow, red, green, blue, brown, and copper shiller).