Comparison · Silicate Minerals
Natrolite vs Sunstone
Natrolite and Sunstone are easy to confuse because both are silicate minerals. Sunstone is harder (Mohs 6.5) than Natrolite (Mohs 5.5), so Sunstone will scratch Natrolite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Natrolite and Sunstone
- Sunstone is harder (Mohs 6.5) than Natrolite (Mohs 5.5), so Sunstone will scratch Natrolite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
- They overlap in clear, pink, and yellow, but Natrolite also comes in gray and Sunstone also comes in orange and red.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Natrolite is orthorhombic, Sunstone is triclinic.
Natrolite vs Sunstone properties
| Property | Natrolite | Sunstone |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Silicate Minerals | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 5.5 | 6.5 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 2.25 | 2.65 |
| Crystal system | orthorhombic | triclinic |
| Common colors | Colorless, White, Pink, Yellow, Gray | Orange, Red, Golden, Pink, Colorless |
| Rarity | uncommon | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $8–$250+ | $10–$700+ |
Which is more valuable?
Sunstone is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $90 against $45 for Natrolite, and premium Sunstone can reach $700 or more.
About Natrolite
Natrolite is a sodium-rich zeolite mineral that forms delicate, slender prismatic crystals, often gathered into radiating sprays. It typically occurs in cavities of basalt and is valued by collectors for its needle-like sprays.
About Sunstone
Sunstone is a gem feldspar known for aventurescence, a glittering metallic shimmer caused by tiny reflective platelets of copper, hematite, or goethite. It ranges from golden to orange and red and is cut as a gemstone.
Natrolite vs Sunstone FAQ
Is Natrolite the same as Sunstone?
No. Both are silicate minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Sunstone is harder (Mohs 6.5) than Natrolite (Mohs 5.5), so Sunstone will scratch Natrolite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
How can you tell Natrolite from Sunstone?
Sunstone is harder (Mohs 6.5) than Natrolite (Mohs 5.5), so Sunstone will scratch Natrolite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will. They overlap in clear, pink, and yellow, but Natrolite also comes in gray and Sunstone also comes in orange and red. Well-formed crystals give it away: Natrolite is orthorhombic, Sunstone is triclinic.
Which is harder, Natrolite or Sunstone?
Sunstone is harder: Mohs 6.5 against Mohs 5.5 for Natrolite.
Which is more valuable, Natrolite or Sunstone?
Sunstone is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $90 against $45 for Natrolite, and premium Sunstone can reach $700 or more.
