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.
Golden Sunstone 6mm Round - 15-16"
Original price
$22.00
-
Original price
$22.00
Original price
$22.00
$22.00
-
$22.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$22.00
-
Original price
$22.00
Original price
$22.00
$22.00
-
$22.00
Sunstone 2x3mm Faceted Rondelle - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$19.00
-
Original price
$19.00
Original price
$19.00
$19.00
-
$19.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$19.00
-
Original price
$19.00
Original price
$19.00
$19.00
-
$19.00
Sunstone Faceted 4mm Round - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$20.00
-
Original price
$20.00
Original price
$20.00
$20.00
-
$20.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$20.00
-
Original price
$20.00
Original price
$20.00
$20.00
-
$20.00
Sunstone 8mm Round - 15-16 inch
Original price
$37.00
-
Original price
$37.00
Original price
$37.00
$37.00
-
$37.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$37.00
-
Original price
$37.00
Original price
$37.00
$37.00
-
$37.00
Arusha Sunstone 4mm Microfaceted Round - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$16.00
-
Original price
$16.00
Original price
$16.00
$16.00
-
$16.00
Arusha Sunstone is a combination of Feldspar and Beryl.
Original price
$16.00
-
Original price
$16.00
Original price
$16.00
$16.00
-
$16.00
Golden Sunstone 6mm Round Faceted A Grade - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$29.00
-
Original price
$29.00
Original price
$29.00
$29.00
-
$29.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$29.00
-
Original price
$29.00
Original price
$29.00
$29.00
-
$29.00
Golden Sunstone Natural 4mm Table Cut Cube Bead - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$29.00
-
Original price
$29.00
Original price
$29.00
$29.00
-
$29.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$29.00
-
Original price
$29.00
Original price
$29.00
$29.00
-
$29.00
Golden Sunstone 4mm Round Faceted AA Grade - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$19.00
-
Original price
$19.00
Original price
$19.00
$19.00
-
$19.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$19.00
-
Original price
$19.00
Original price
$19.00
$19.00
-
$19.00
Golden Sunstone 10mm Round - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$48.00
-
Original price
$48.00
Original price
$48.00
$48.00
-
$48.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$48.00
-
Original price
$48.00
Original price
$48.00
$48.00
-
$48.00
Golden Sunstone 3x4mm Rondelle Faceted - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$23.00
-
Original price
$23.00
Original price
$23.00
$23.00
-
$23.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$23.00
-
Original price
$23.00
Original price
$23.00
$23.00
-
$23.00
Sunstone 6mm Chip - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$16.00
-
Original price
$16.00
Original price
$16.00
$16.00
-
$16.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$16.00
-
Original price
$16.00
Original price
$16.00
$16.00
-
$16.00
Golden Sunstone 8mm Round Faceted A Grade - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$41.00
-
Original price
$41.00
Original price
$41.00
$41.00
-
$41.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$41.00
-
Original price
$41.00
Original price
$41.00
$41.00
-
$41.00
Arusha Sunstone 8mm Round - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$22.00
-
Original price
$22.00
Original price
$22.00
$22.00
-
$22.00
Arusha Sunstone is a combination of Feldspar and Beryl.
Original price
$22.00
-
Original price
$22.00
Original price
$22.00
$22.00
-
$22.00
Golden Sunstone 10mm Round Faceted A Grade - 15-16 Inch - CLEARANCE
Original price
$63.00
-
Original price
$63.00
Original price
$63.00
$63.00
-
$63.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$63.00
-
Original price
$63.00
Original price
$63.00
$63.00
-
$63.00
Arusha Sunstone 6mm Round - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$16.00
-
Original price
$16.00
Original price
$16.00
$16.00
-
$16.00
Arusha Sunstone is a combination of Feldspar and Beryl.
Original price
$16.00
-
Original price
$16.00
Original price
$16.00
$16.00
-
$16.00
Golden Sunstone 5mm Cube Table Cut Bead - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$37.00
-
Original price
$37.00
Original price
$37.00
$37.00
-
$37.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$37.00
-
Original price
$37.00
Original price
$37.00
$37.00
-
$37.00
Golden Sunstone 3mm Round Faceted AA Grade - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$15.00
-
Original price
$15.00
Original price
$15.00
$15.00
-
$15.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$15.00
-
Original price
$15.00
Original price
$15.00
$15.00
-
$15.00
Sunstone 8mm Rough Heishi - Limited Editions - 15-16 inch - CLEARANCE
Original price
$61.00
-
Original price
$61.00
Original price
$61.00
$61.00
-
$61.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$61.00
-
Original price
$61.00
Original price
$61.00
$61.00
-
$61.00
Sunstone 2mm Faceted Cube - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$20.00
-
Original price
$20.00
Original price
$20.00
$20.00
-
$20.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$20.00
-
Original price
$20.00
Original price
$20.00
$20.00
-
$20.00
Arusha Sunstone 10mm Round - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$32.00
-
Original price
$32.00
Original price
$32.00
$32.00
-
$32.00
Arusha Sunstone is a combination of Feldspar and Beryl.
Original price
$32.00
-
Original price
$32.00
Original price
$32.00
$32.00
-
$32.00
Golden Sunstone 4x6mm Rondelle Faceted - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$37.00
-
Original price
$37.00
Original price
$37.00
$37.00
-
$37.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$37.00
-
Original price
$37.00
Original price
$37.00
$37.00
-
$37.00
Arusha Sunstone 3mm Round Faceted - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$16.00
-
Original price
$16.00
Original price
$16.00
$16.00
-
$16.00
Arusha Sunstone is a combination of Feldspar and Beryl.
Original price
$16.00
-
Original price
$16.00
Original price
$16.00
$16.00
-
$16.00
Black Sunstone 8mm Large Hole Round - 8 Inch
Original price
$16.00
-
Original price
$16.00
Original price
$16.00
$16.00
-
$16.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$16.00
-
Original price
$16.00
Original price
$16.00
$16.00
-
$16.00
Bicolor Sunstone 6mm Round - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$22.00
-
Original price
$22.00
Original price
$22.00
$22.00
-
$22.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$22.00
-
Original price
$22.00
Original price
$22.00
$22.00
-
$22.00
Sunstone 9x13-12x16mm Top Drill Irregular Flat Drop - 15-16 Inch - CLEARANCE
Original price
$24.00
-
Original price
$24.00
Original price
$24.00
$24.00
-
$24.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$24.00
-
Original price
$24.00
Original price
$24.00
$24.00
-
$24.00
Black Sunstone 5x8mm Chip - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$15.00
-
Original price
$15.00
Original price
$15.00
$15.00
-
$15.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$15.00
-
Original price
$15.00
Original price
$15.00
$15.00
-
$15.00
Golden Sunstone 5x8mm Chip - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$16.00
-
Original price
$16.00
Original price
$16.00
$16.00
-
$16.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$16.00
-
Original price
$16.00
Original price
$16.00
$16.00
-
$16.00
Golden Sunstone 8mm Double Heart Faceted - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$41.00
-
Original price
$41.00
Original price
$41.00
$41.00
-
$41.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$41.00
-
Original price
$41.00
Original price
$41.00
$41.00
-
$41.00
Copper Sunstone 6mm Round - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$14.00
-
Original price
$14.00
Original price
$14.00
$14.00
-
$14.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$14.00
-
Original price
$14.00
Original price
$14.00
$14.00
-
$14.00
Bicolor Sunstone 8mm Round - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$39.00
-
Original price
$39.00
Original price
$39.00
$39.00
-
$39.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$39.00
-
Original price
$39.00
Original price
$39.00
$39.00
-
$39.00
Bicolor Sunstone 10mm Round - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$54.00
-
Original price
$54.00
Original price
$54.00
$54.00
-
$54.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$54.00
-
Original price
$54.00
Original price
$54.00
$54.00
-
$54.00
Sunstone 10mm Rough Heishi - 15-16 inch - CLEARANCE
Original price
$81.00
-
Original price
$81.00
Original price
$81.00
$81.00
-
$81.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$81.00
-
Original price
$81.00
Original price
$81.00
$81.00
-
$81.00
Sunstone 13x22mm Faceted Heart Gold Plated Pendant
Original price
$9.00
-
Original price
$9.00
Original price
$9.00
$9.00
-
$9.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$9.00
-
Original price
$9.00
Original price
$9.00
$9.00
-
$9.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$32.00
-
Original price
$32.00
Original price
$32.00
$32.00
-
$32.00
Golden Sunstone 6mm Double Heart Faceted - 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...
View full details
Original price
$32.00
-
Original price
$32.00
Original price
$32.00
$32.00
-
$32.00
Copper Sunstone 10mm Round - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$27.00
-
Original price
$27.00
Original price
$27.00
$27.00
-
$27.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$27.00
-
Original price
$27.00
Original price
$27.00
$27.00
-
$27.00
Bicolor Sunstone 4mm Round - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$20.00
-
Original price
$20.00
Original price
$20.00
$20.00
-
$20.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$20.00
-
Original price
$20.00
Original price
$20.00
$20.00
-
$20.00
Copper Sunstone 8mm Round - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$22.00
-
Original price
$22.00
Original price
$22.00
$22.00
-
$22.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$22.00
-
Original price
$22.00
Original price
$22.00
$22.00
-
$22.00
Sunstone 8mm Faceted Puff Heart A Grade - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$31.00
-
Original price
$31.00
Original price
$31.00
$31.00
-
$31.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$31.00
-
Original price
$31.00
Original price
$31.00
$31.00
-
$31.00
Sunstone 8x10-9x13mm Side Drilled Pebble - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$14.00
-
Original price
$14.00
Original price
$14.00
$14.00
-
$14.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$14.00
-
Original price
$14.00
Original price
$14.00
$14.00
-
$14.00
Sunstone 8x10mm Triangle Cut Faceted Puff Oval - 15-16-Inch
Original price
$29.00
-
Original price
$29.00
Original price
$29.00
$29.00
-
$29.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$29.00
-
Original price
$29.00
Original price
$29.00
$29.00
-
$29.00
Black Sunstone 6mm Faceted Round - 15-16 Inch
Original price
$22.00
-
Original price
$22.00
Original price
$22.00
$22.00
-
$22.00
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...
View full details
Original price
$22.00
-
Original price
$22.00
Original price
$22.00
$22.00
-
$22.00
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
-
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.