Difference between revisions of "Sunstone"
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An opalescent mineral that is used as a [[gemstone|gemstone]]. Sunstones are translucent stones with an iridescent sheen due to the parallel arrangement of its crystals. They are usually a golden-brown with dark red hematite flakes. The iron oxide inclusions give the stone a reddish glow. Major deposits of sunstones occur in Norway (Tvedestrand), Russia (near Lake Baikal), and the U.S. (Pennsylvania, North Carolina). [[Moonstone|Moonstones]] are found in potassium ([[orthoclase|orthoclase]]) feldspars, while [[plagioclase|plagioclase]] feldspars (albite, oligoclase, or [[labradorite|labradorite]]) produce sunstones. | An opalescent mineral that is used as a [[gemstone|gemstone]]. Sunstones are translucent stones with an iridescent sheen due to the parallel arrangement of its crystals. They are usually a golden-brown with dark red hematite flakes. The iron oxide inclusions give the stone a reddish glow. Major deposits of sunstones occur in Norway (Tvedestrand), Russia (near Lake Baikal), and the U.S. (Pennsylvania, North Carolina). [[Moonstone|Moonstones]] are found in potassium ([[orthoclase|orthoclase]]) feldspars, while [[plagioclase|plagioclase]] feldspars (albite, oligoclase, or [[labradorite|labradorite]]) produce sunstones. | ||
| − | == | + | == Physical and Chemical Properties == |
| − | + | Triclinic prismatic crystals. Inclusions give spangled appearance. | |
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
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[[media:download_file_449.pdf|Properties of Common Gemstones]] | [[media:download_file_449.pdf|Properties of Common Gemstones]] | ||
| − | + | == Resources and Citations == | |
| − | |||
| − | == | ||
* R.F.Symmes, T.T.Harding, Paul Taylor, ''Rocks, Fossils and Gems'', DK Publishing, Inc., New York City, 1997 | * R.F.Symmes, T.T.Harding, Paul Taylor, ''Rocks, Fossils and Gems'', DK Publishing, Inc., New York City, 1997 | ||
| − | * ''Encyclopedia Britannica'', http://www.britannica.com Comment: sunstone" | + | * ''Encyclopedia Britannica'', http://www.britannica.com Comment: sunstone" [Accessed March 4, 2002- |
[[Category:Materials database]] | [[Category:Materials database]] | ||
Revision as of 12:12, 22 August 2020
Description
An opalescent mineral that is used as a Gemstone. Sunstones are translucent stones with an iridescent sheen due to the parallel arrangement of its crystals. They are usually a golden-brown with dark red hematite flakes. The iron oxide inclusions give the stone a reddish glow. Major deposits of sunstones occur in Norway (Tvedestrand), Russia (near Lake Baikal), and the U.S. (Pennsylvania, North Carolina). Moonstones are found in potassium (Orthoclase) feldspars, while Plagioclase feldspars (albite, oligoclase, or Labradorite) produce sunstones.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Triclinic prismatic crystals. Inclusions give spangled appearance.
| Mohs Hardness | 6.0 - 6.5 |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.56-2.76 |
| Refractive Index | 1.53-1.59 |
Comparisons
Properties of Common Gemstones
Resources and Citations
- R.F.Symmes, T.T.Harding, Paul Taylor, Rocks, Fossils and Gems, DK Publishing, Inc., New York City, 1997
- Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: sunstone" [Accessed March 4, 2002-