Updated as of June 2026
Sunstone
A warm sparkling feldspar tied to joy, vitality, and leadership, named for its sunny glittering aventurescence.
Price range$10 to $200/ct
Hardness (Mohs)6.25
ColorsOrange, Red, Gold, Peach
BirthstoneNone
AltGems Score How we score
5.6/10
Sunstone pros and cons
Pros
- Strong value for the look
- Usually sold untreated
Cons
- Softer at Mohs 6.25, best in protected settings
- Quality varies widely, so compare before buying
Sunstone is ideal for earrings, pendants, and occasional-wear rings, and works in everyday rings with a protective setting.
Explore Sunstone
Meaning and properties
Symbolism, zodiac, chakraPrice and value
What it costs and whyBuying guide
How to choose and where to buyCare and cleaning
Keep it looking its bestSunstone jewelry
Sunstone ringsSunstone engagement ringsSunstone necklacesSunstone pendantsSunstone earringsSunstone bracelets
Common buying mistakes
- Buying on carat weight alone instead of color and cut, which drive beauty more.
- Skipping treatment disclosure, which changes both value and care.
- Setting this softer stone (Mohs 6.25) in an exposed daily-wear ring instead of a protective bezel or halo.
- Cleaning it the wrong way. Moderately durable with cleavage. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and hard knocks.
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Where to buy Sunstone: for fine pieces, choose established jewelers with clear return policies and lab reports; for unique or budget pieces, vetted marketplace sellers work well. Always confirm treatment and the return window before buying. AltGems prices are general per-carat guides, so verify value with a certified gemologist or GIA report.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sunstone?
A warm sparkling feldspar tied to joy, vitality, and leadership, named for its sunny glittering aventurescence. It rates 6.25 on the Mohs hardness scale and commonly appears in orange, red, gold, peach.
How much does Sunstone cost?
Sunstone typically runs about $10 to $200 per carat depending on color, clarity, cut, and origin. See our Sunstone price guide for detail.
Is Sunstone good for everyday jewelry?
It rates 6.25 on the Mohs scale, so it suits earrings, pendants, and occasional-wear rings better than daily rough use.
What is the AltGems Score for Sunstone?
Sunstone earns an overall AltGems Score of 5.6 out of 10, balancing durability, brilliance, value, rarity, and everyday wearability. See our methodology on the How We Score page.
How do I care for Sunstone?
Moderately durable with cleavage. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and hard knocks.