Sunstone
Real mineral · uncommon · (Na,Ca)(Al,Si)₄O₈
Feldspar with aventurescence caused by reflections from platelets of hematite or goethite within the crystal. The Oregon variety contains copper platelets and is the only known gem-quality copper-bearing feldspar.
Identity
- Formula
- (Na,Ca)(Al,Si)₄O₈
- Chemical class
- silicate
- Mineral group
- Albite, Labradorite, Moonstone
- Also known as
- Aventurine feldspar, Heliolite
Crystallography
- Crystal system
- triclinic
- Habits
- tabular, massive
- Fracture
- uneven
Physical properties
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5
- Density
- 2.65 g/cm³
- Luster
- vitreous
- Colors
- orange, red, yellow, colorless, pink
- Streak
- white
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent
Geology
- Origins
- igneous
- Host rocks
- basalt, andesite, rhyolite
- Associated minerals
- feldspar, pyroxene, Olivine
- Geography
- Norway, India, USA (Oregon), Canada, Australia
Classification
- Rarity
- uncommon
- Gem quality
- Yes
Arcane properties
- Affinity
- fire, light
- Effects
- elemental fire
- Planar origin
- Material Plane
Browse the Crystal Encyclopedia — MGS Toolbox