Sunstone Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

What is Sunstone?

Sunstone belongs to the feldspar family. Feldspar contains a number of minerals that are present throughout the Earth's crust. It can frequently be found in rocks, such as granite and gneiss, and it usually takes the form of irregular grains. However, it can also be found in well-developed crystals of considerable size.

This material contains hematite or goethite inclusions, which reflect light in parallel orientation and create a sparkling sheen in gold to brown color shades. This metallic glitter, known as aventurescence, is especially intense in the sun or under a strong artificial light.

Sunstone may be oligoclase or labradorite in composition and is much admired as a cabochon material among hobbyists. (Labradorite with aventurescence caused by copper inclusions is known as Oregon sunstone and is described in a separate gem listing). Very fine material is not abundant and is hard to obtain.

Sunstone Symbolism

Sunstone has long been connected with the warmth and power of the sun, and its symbolism reflects energy, vitality, and joy. In many cultures, the glowing flashes inside sunstone reminded people of sunlight, leading them to believe it carried the life-giving strength of the sun itself. It was thought to bring good fortune, abundance, and a sense of optimism to anyone who wore it.

In Norse legends, some believe sunstone was used as a "sun compass," helping sailors navigate by detecting the position of the sun even on cloudy days. Because of this, sunstone became linked to guidance, clarity, and safe journeys. In other traditions, it symbolized leadership and courage, helping its wearer feel more confident and independent.

Modern crystal enthusiasts often see sunstone as a gem of positivity and empowerment. Its fiery colors are said to inspire creativity, awaken enthusiasm, and chase away fear or doubt. Sunstone is also thought to encourage generosity and strengthen connections with others, reflecting its bright, open energy.

Sunstone Colors

Common feldspar is often described as dull, cloudy, and opaque. The most common colors are pale yellow, brown, and red, though the stone can also present in shades of green, pink, and orange. However, sunstone is a gemstone famous for its warm and lively colors. Most often, sunstone is found in warmer shades of orange, red, and golden brown, which is why it is compared to the rays of the sun.

Where Sunstone Is Found

• New Mexico; New York; North Carolina: Maine; Pennsylvania; Virginia.
• Lake Baikal, USSR; Bancroft area, Ontario, Canada.
• Tvedestrand and Hitterö, Norway; as masses in quartz veins.
• Lake Huron (Canada side): brownish to pink color.
• Kangayam, India.
• Harts Range, N. T. Australia: an untwinned microcline microperthite with aventurine-type reflections due to inclusions of thin, brownish-red hexagonal inclusions, in two sets at 90° angles. Properties are: a= 1.520; β= 1.525; γ= 1.527; birefringence = 0.007; S.G. = 2.57; hardness = 6-6.5; no UV fluorescence.

Sunstone Size

Cabochons from Norwegian and Indian material may reach 100 carats or more. Most available material cuts smaller stones, however. This is because the rough is usually badly shattered and cracked.