RocksdayCarnelian vs Sunstone
How to tell them apart
Translucent orange-red chalcedony colored by iron oxide.
Photo: Hyperdeath, CC BY-SA 4.0
Feldspar glittering with tiny metallic platelets of copper or hematite that catch the light like sparks.
Photo: James St. John, CC BY 2.0
Key differences
- Carnelian is waxy and has no glitter.
Side by side
| Property | Carnelian | Sunstone |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mineral | Mineral |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5–7 | 6–6.5 |
| Luster | Waxy to vitreous | Vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Colors | Orange, Red, Brown | Orange, Red, Yellow |
| Crystal system | Microcrystalline quartz (chalcedony) | Triclinic |
| Specific gravity | 2.58–2.64 | 2.62–2.72 |
| Formula | SiO₂ | (Ca,Na)(Al,Si)₄O₈ |
| Found in | India; Brazil | Lake County, Oregon; Tvedestrand, Norway |
Properties that are the same for both are grayed out.
How to identify carnelian
- Glows orange-red when held up to light.
- Even color or soft cloudy banding.
- Waxy surface, hard enough to scratch glass.
Crystal system: Microcrystalline quartz (chalcedony)
Full Carnelian guide →How to identify sunstone
- Orange to red feldspar with a coppery glitter (aventurescence).
- Sparkles flash as the stone is turned.
- Hardness about 6 with flat cleavage faces.
Crystal system: Triclinic
Full Sunstone guide →More comparisons
Could you tell them apart from a blurry close-up?
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