Oregon Sunstone is a variety of labradorite feldspar known for its unique metallic aventurescence caused by microscopic copper inclusions. Collectors prize these stones for their shifting colors ranging from pale yellow to deep reds and greens, which are often best viewed in natural light. They are primarily found as phenocrysts weathered out of basalt flows in the high desert of Oregon.
Is this oregon sunstone?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch oregon sunstone with a known reference. Oregon Sunstone sits at Mohs 6-6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Oregon Sunstone leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Oregon Sunstone typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, red, green, clear, orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Oregon Sunstone vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside oregon sunstone
Minerals reported to co-occur with oregon sunstone. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ca,Na)(Al,Si)₄O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 6-6.5
- Density
- 2.65-2.75 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Gemstone, Jewelry, Collector
- Host rock
- Basalt
- Typical price
- $20-200 per gram for quality material
Where rockhounds find oregon sunstone
1 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Ponderosa Mine, Oregon, USA
- Dust Devil Mine, Oregon, USA
- Rabbit Basin, Oregon, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in basalt country — that is the host setting where oregon sunstone typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, magnetite, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Oregon — start trip planning there.
Common questions
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Find oregon sunstone on the map
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