Sunstone

What is Sunstone?

Sunstone is not a separate mineral but a gemstone variety from the feldspar family. Usually it is a plagioclase related to oligoclase; Labradorite and Orthoclase also occur as Sunstone. The characteristic sparkle is called aventurescence or schiller, and it arises because countless tiny platelets of copper, hematite or goethite lie neatly parallel inside the stone. When light falls on them, they reflect it back in short flashes. Those same iron and copper bearing inclusions give the stone her golden orange to reddish brown color. Sunstone grows in igneous rock such as basalt lava and in pegmatites. With a hardness of 6 to 6.5 she is reasonably sturdy, although the cleavage of feldspar makes her more sensitive to knocks than Quartz.

Meaning and History of Sunstone

The name points straight to sunlight: the stone is also known as heliolite, from the Greek helios (sun) and lithos (stone). That name came into use in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, when finds in Norway and Sweden made the stone popular in folk jewelry, where a silver setting showed off the sparkle. In western North America, Indigenous peoples traded rough Sunstone over long distances and connected the stone with the sun. The copper bearing variety from Oregon gained so much standing there that the state named her its official gemstone in 1987. That line runs on to this day: Sunstone symbolizes joy, confidence and the nerve to let your own light show.

Physical Properties Sunstone

Sunstone is mainly chosen by people who feel listless and miss their usual pace. On an energetic level the stone is associated with vitality and warmth: many people experience her as uplifting, as if some movement returns to the day. If you wear her close to the body, many wearers notice that they feel lighter and get going more easily. Sunstone is also connected with resilience, so that setbacks stop echoing quite so long. During the dark months she can offer support in holding on to your rhythm: take hold of the stone, breathe calmly, and shift your attention to what is possible today. In this way Sunstone is a stone that encourages rather than soothes, and that invites you to take your own energy seriously.

Please note: gemstones can offer support on an emotional and energetic level, but are never a substitute for medical or professional care. If you have any complaints or concerns, always consult your physician.

Sunstone and Zest for Life

When you lose your sense of pleasure, you usually notice it first in the small things: music moves you less, making plans feels heavy. Sunstone is the stone par excellence for getting that feeling going again. Place a raw piece or a sphere on the windowsill where the morning light reaches her, so the sparkle catches your eye as you walk into the room. Carry a tumbled stone loose in your pocket on days you know will be tough, and take hold of it the moment you feel yourself sinking back. Put a pocket stone beside your planner on your desk, as a reminder to schedule something enjoyable too. Turn it into a short morning ritual: stone in your hand, three calm breaths, and one thing you are looking forward to that day.

Spiritual Properties

Spiritually, Sunstone is regarded as a stone of optimism, individuality and personal strength. She is seen as a source of warm solar energy that encourages you to live from your own center instead of being steered by what others expect of you. Anyone who gives in quickly, downplays themselves or depends on approval can find an encouraging ally in Sunstone. The stone is also linked to gratitude and abundance: she is said to help you see what is there, rather than staying stuck in loss or disappointment. That makes her a favorite among people who want to climb out of a slump or have lost their natural enthusiasm. Where gentle stones mainly comfort, Sunstone spurs you on: she brings playfulness, courage and a healthy dose of self worth back into view. At the same time she works warmly on the emotions, so that drive does not turn hurried but is carried by a sincere inner smile. In this way Sunstone helps you find a balance between giving and receiving, between strength and softness, and between caring for others and caring for yourself.

How to Use Sunstone?

• Wear Sunstone as jewelry, for example one of our Sunstone bracelets or Sunstone pendants, so her warm color travels with you all day.
• Place a raw piece or a sphere in the living room, preferably where daylight makes the sparkle light up and gives the space a cheerful atmosphere.
• Hold a tumbled stone in both hands during meditation and direct your attention to your upper belly, where willpower and zest for life come together.
• Put a dish of Sunstone Chips on your desk or beside your bed, as a small beacon of warmth within reach.

Types and Varieties of Sunstone

• Oregon Sunstone: the translucent to clear variety from the American state of Oregon, with tiny copper platelets and colors ranging from water clear and champagne to salmon, red and rare blue green.
• Sunstone with Moonstone: material in which the warm flash of Sunstone meets the soft glow of Moonstone, loved for the balance between both moods.
• Red Sunstone: the deep red to reddish brown quality with a strong coppery shimmer, sought after above all for its warm, fiery appearance.

Beautiful Gemstone Combinations

Moonstone

Moonstone is the natural counterpart of Sunstone. Where Sunstone moves outward and encourages, Moonstone brings softness and receptivity. Together they form a lovely balance between doing and feeling, and help you give both sides of yourself room.

Carnelian

Carnelian strengthens the fiery, activating side of Sunstone. Both stones resonate with the Sacral Chakra and kindle your creativity and drive. This combination suits anyone who has plans waiting but keeps postponing the first step.

Citrine

Citrine connects with the sunny, self assured side of Sunstone. Where Sunstone brings back joy and warmth, Citrine adds a sense of abundance and clarity. Together they form a light filled duo for the Solar Plexus Chakra, helping you take your own place with confidence.

Recognizing Genuine Sunstone

Sunstone is regularly confused with Goldstone, a man made glass with copper particles also known as star stone. A few simple checks will show you the difference. First look at the sparkle: in genuine Sunstone the shimmer appears in uneven flashes that follow the internal platelets, with areas that clearly light up less, while Goldstone glitters evenly and equally strongly everywhere. Then pay attention to the color: natural Sunstone occurs in golden orange, salmon and reddish brown tones, so bright blue or bright green glitter stones are almost always Goldstone. Look at the stone with a loupe as well: round air bubbles reveal glass, while genuine Sunstone shows flat metal platelets and natural inclusions. Finally, tilt the stone under a lamp; in genuine Sunstone the flash shifts along with the angle. A low price on a large stone that sparkles perfectly evenly is reason to be critical.

Properties

• Hardness: 6 to 6.5 (Mohs scale)
• Density: 2.62 to 2.67 g/cm³
• Composition: (Na,Ca)(Si,Al)4O8
• Crystal structure: triclinic
• Color: golden orange, salmon to reddish brown with a coppery sparkle

Locations

• United States
• Norway
• India
• Russia
• Finland
• Canada
• Sri Lanka
• Mexico

Zodiac Signs

Leo

Leo resonates strongly with the radiant energy of Sunstone. The stone feeds the natural warmth and generosity of this sun ruled sign, so that the strength of Leo stays inviting rather than domineering. For Leos who feel briefly unseen, Sunstone is a fine companion.

Libra

Libra finds in Sunstone a stone that encourages courage and individuality. Where this sign is quick to please others, Sunstone helps you take your own wishes seriously and choose with a lighter heart. Her cheerful energy makes those choices feel less weighty.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius recognizes itself in the optimistic, adventurous side of Sunstone. The stone feeds the enthusiasm of this fiery sign and keeps the gaze on what is still possible. In this way Sunstone supports the love of freedom of Sagittarius with a warm, positive feeling.

Chakras

Solar Plexus Chakra

The Solar Plexus Chakra is the energy center that Sunstone resonates with most strongly. This Chakra stands for self worth, willpower and the courage to take your own place. Sunstone can warm this center, so that standing up for yourself becomes easier without hardening.

Sacral Chakra

The Sacral Chakra is connected with creativity, pleasure and zest for life. The warm energy of Sunstone can kindle this Chakra and bring you back into contact with your playfulness. As a result, your natural drive often gets going more easily.

Heart Chakra

The Heart Chakra revolves around warmth, connection and gentleness. Sunstone can open this Chakra softly and help ease heaviness, so that there is room for joy again. Gentleness toward yourself in particular gets more air.

Care

With a hardness of 6 to 6.5 Sunstone is reasonably sturdy, although the cleavage of feldspar calls for a careful hand. You may rinse her briefly under lukewarm running water; do not let her soak for hours and pat her dry carefully afterward with a soft cloth. For energetic cleansing you can pass her through the smoke of Sage or Palo Santo, or place her on a bed of Hematite Chips overnight to cleanse her. To charge her, place Sunstone on a dish of Rock Crystal Chips. The color of Sunstone comes from mineral inclusions rather than a dye, which is why she handles sunlight well: an hour in the soft morning sun is a fitting way to charge her. Still, do not leave her in the full midday sun for days on end, and store her separately in a soft pouch so that harder stones such as Quartz leave no scratches.

More information about the cleansing and charging of gemstones can be found in our blog "The cleansing and charging of gemstones".

Frequently Asked Questions about Sunstone

What does Sunstone mean?

The name refers to the sun like sparkle of the stone and goes back to the Greek heliolite, from helios (sun) and lithos (stone). Today Sunstone mainly symbolizes joy, confidence and personal radiance.

Can Sunstone get wet?

Yes, Sunstone may be rinsed briefly under lukewarm running water. Do not let her soak for hours, as the cleavage of feldspar makes her a little more vulnerable. Pat the stone dry thoroughly afterward with a soft cloth.

Can Sunstone be placed in sunlight?

Yes, her color comes from mineral inclusions and does not fade quickly in sunlight. An hour in the soft morning sun is even a lovely way to charge her. Just do not leave her in the full midday sun for days on end.

Which Chakra is associated with Sunstone?

Sunstone resonates most strongly with the Solar Plexus Chakra, the center of self worth and willpower. She is also linked to the Sacral Chakra and the Heart Chakra.

Where is the best place to put Sunstone?

Wear her close to the body or keep her at hand at moments when you could use warmth and courage. At home she comes into her own near a window or on your desk, where daylight makes the sparkle light up.

Summary

Sunstone is a warm, golden orange gemstone from the feldspar family, recognizable by the coppery sparkle that moves along with the light. She is associated with vitality, resilience and rediscovering your pleasure, which makes her a fine stone for gray days or for the period after a difficult time. Spiritually she stands for individuality, gratitude and the courage to take your own place. She resonates with the Solar Plexus Chakra, the Sacral Chakra and the Heart Chakra, and suits Leo, Libra and Sagittarius beautifully. Rinse her briefly under lukewarm water and charge her in the soft morning sun or on Rock Crystal Chips.

If you have any questions about Sunstone, please do not hesitate to contact Kristalmeester. We are happy to help.