Sunstone Gemstone Beads
Sunstone, a gemstone renowned for its mesmerizing aventurescence, features an effervescent sheen reminiscent of sunlight. This effect originates from tiny mineral inclusions, mostly hematite or goethite, that reflect light in dazzling sparkles. Available in a variety of hues from bright orange to deep red and dusky pinks, Sunstone's vivid, warm tones embody the essence of its namesake, the sun.
Facts: Sunstone's historical allure traces back to ancient civilizations. It is notably reputed among the Vikings, believed to be used as a navigational aid in their maritime voyages. This 'sun stone' helped them locate the sun on cloudy days, enhancing their legendary navigational prowess. Sunstone's storied past, imbued with mythology and essential survival, enriches its appeal, introducing a narrative element to the jewelry pieces it graces.
Metaphysical / Holistic: Sunstone is often embraced for its bright, uplifting energy. It is thought to instill joy, inspire freedom, and encourage a zest for life, echoing the nourishing and life-giving aspects of the sun. This makes it an especially fitting choice for jewelry intended to convey a sense of warmth and optimism.
Sunstone 6x10-13mm Faceted Wheel - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$32.00
-
Original price
$32.00
Original price
$32.00
$32.00
-
$32.00
Sunstone, a variety of Feldspar, is aptly named for its shades of gold, orange, red and brown, as well as its iridescent sparkle. As the stone catc...
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Original price
$32.00
-
Original price
$32.00
Original price
$32.00
$32.00
-
$32.00
About this stone
Color
GoldOrangeRedPink
Origin
IndiaTanzaniaUSA (Oregon)NorwayRussia
Mohs hardness
6–6.5
Treatment categories
Natural
Industry-standard treatment
Natural — sunstone is not typically treated
Mineral chemistry
Plagioclase or oligoclase feldspar with hematite/goethite inclusions producing aventurescence
Crystal system
Triclinic
Stone family
Feldspar
Common cuts
RoundFaceted RoundFaceted Rondelle
Common sizes
4mm6mm8mm10mm
Care notes
Moderate hardness (Mohs 6–6.5) with cleavage. Mild soap and soft cloth; avoid ultrasonic.
Related stones
Moonstone, Labradorite, Aventurine
Frequently asked questions
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What causes the sparkle in sunstone?
Sunstone is plagioclase feldspar containing microscopic platelet inclusions of copper, hematite, or goethite. The platelets are arranged in roughly parallel planes within the feldspar matrix; when light enters the stone and reflects off them, it produces the metallic glitter known as aventurescence or schiller. The effect is most visible when a polished bead is rotated under direct light — the glitter shifts as the platelets catch different angles. The sparkle is intrinsic to the mineral and is not produced by any treatment. -
Is sunstone natural or treated?
Sunstone is overwhelmingly sold natural. The aventurescence and the warm gold-to-orange-to-red palette are both intrinsic to the rough; no treatment is required or commonly applied to produce the visible effect. Every sunstone strand in Dakota's active catalog is tagged Natural. Treatment status should be disclosed — ask before buying if it isn't specified. -
What's the difference between sunstone and goldstone?
Sunstone is a natural mineral — plagioclase feldspar with metallic platelet inclusions. Goldstone is man-made glass with copper inclusions, manufactured to produce a sparkle effect superficially similar to sunstone. They are not the same material. Goldstone is a perfectly valid material for jewelry; it just isn't sunstone, and the two should not be sold interchangeably. Dakota's sunstone catalog is natural mineral sunstone, not goldstone. -
What's the difference between Oregon sunstone and Indian sunstone?
Both are aventurescent feldspar. The differences are origin, inclusion species, and color range. Oregon sunstone (Plush, Lake County) contains copper platelet inclusions and can show vivid red and green color zones in the finest material; it is the US-origin premium register. Indian sunstone — the bulk of the commercial bead trade — contains hematite and goethite platelets and runs from soft gold through peach to orange. Both are natural; the choice is palette and provenance. Dakota's catalog includes USA-origin sunstone as a subset; origin should be disclosed where known. -
How durable is sunstone for daily wear?
Mohs 6–6.5 — durable enough for necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, and reasonable for rings with normal care. Feldspar has perfect cleavage in two directions, which means sunstone can chip on sharp impact along the cleavage planes. Avoid ultrasonics and steam cleaning; wipe with a soft cloth and mild soap. Because the stone is sold natural, there is no dye-fade concern — the only care consideration is the cleavage.