The facts
What sunstone actually is
Mineralogically, sunstone is feldspar — (Ca,Na)(Al,Si)₄O₈, crystallising in the triclinic system.
The colour is caused by copper platelets (Oregon) or hematite flakes for aventurescence. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.537–1.547, and the specific gravity sits near 2.62–2.67; cleavage is perfect, two directions.
Where sunstone comes from
The recognised sources are Oregon, USA, Tanzania, India and Norway.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How sunstone is treated
Copper-diffused andesine caused a market scandal and is still circulating. Origin claims need care.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What sunstone is confused with
The usual confusions are Diffused andesine, Goldstone glass and Aventurine.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.537–1.547 and specific gravity 2.62–2.67 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What sunstone is used for
Sunstone is bought by jewellery and mineral collecting — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat or by the specimen.
Durability and care
Hardness 6–6.5; cleavage perfect, two directions. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
Hardness is not the whole story. Perfect cleavage means the stone can split cleanly if struck along the wrong plane, whatever its Mohs number, so a protective setting matters more here than the hardness suggests.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What sunstone costs
Indicative pricing for sunstone is $5–300/ct.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is sunstone treated, and how?
Copper-diffused andesine caused a market scandal and is still circulating. Origin claims need care.
Where does sunstone come from?
Oregon, USA, Tanzania, India and Norway. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is sunstone hard enough to wear every day?
With care. It is 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale, which is hard enough, but perfect, two directions cleavage means it can split if struck at the wrong angle. Use a protective setting and avoid ultrasonic cleaning.
How much does sunstone cost?
Indicatively $5–300/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is sunstone confused with?
Most often Diffused andesine, Goldstone glass and Aventurine. A refractive index of 1.537–1.547 and a specific gravity near 2.62–2.67 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for sunstone?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about sunstone