Comparison · Silicate Minerals
Spessartine vs Sunstone
Spessartine and Sunstone are easy to confuse because both are silicate minerals. Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Spessartine and Sunstone
- Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Spessartine feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 4.19 versus 2.65 for Sunstone).
- They overlap in orange, red, and yellow, but Spessartine also comes in brown and Sunstone also comes in pink and clear.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Spessartine is cubic, Sunstone is triclinic.
Spessartine vs Sunstone properties
| Property | Spessartine | Sunstone |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Silicate Minerals | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 6.5 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 4.19 | 2.65 |
| Crystal system | cubic | triclinic |
| Common colors | Orange, Red, Brownish red, Yellowish orange | Orange, Red, Golden, Pink, Colorless |
| Rarity | uncommon | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $15–$900+ | $10–$700+ |
Which is more valuable?
Spessartine is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $120 against $90 for Sunstone, and premium Spessartine can reach $900 or more.
About Spessartine
Spessartine is the manganese aluminum member of the garnet group, prized for its bright orange to reddish-orange color. It forms well-shaped dodecahedral or trapezohedral crystals, often in pegmatites or on smoky quartz, and the most vivid stones are cut as gems.
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.
Spessartine vs Sunstone FAQ
Is Spessartine the same as Sunstone?
No. Both are silicate minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Spessartine from Sunstone?
Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Spessartine feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 4.19 versus 2.65 for Sunstone). They overlap in orange, red, and yellow, but Spessartine also comes in brown and Sunstone also comes in pink and clear.
Which is harder, Spessartine or Sunstone?
Spessartine is harder: Mohs 7 against Mohs 6.5 for Sunstone.
Which is more valuable, Spessartine or Sunstone?
Spessartine is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $120 against $90 for Sunstone, and premium Spessartine can reach $900 or more.
