Sparkling gem of sunset
SUNSTONE
Sunstone Origin & Physical Properties
Sunstone is a transparent to translucent feldspar generally orange to golden or red in color. Minute flecks of red copper or hematite formed within the transparent feldspar which align parallel to the plane of it cleavage. When properly polished by a skilled lapidary, light entering the stone reflects off of the minute inclusions and produce a brilliant display of metallic coppery flashes called aventurescence. Occasionally the inclusions align within the stone to produce asterism in the form of a four-rayed star effect.
Sunstone feldspar was formed within molten lava flows. As the lava slowly weathered away fine crystals of sunstone remained. Quality rough material is found within ancient basalt flows which is mixed with the host basalt rock.
Sunstone has been mined since the early 1800’s, starting near Lake Baikal in Russia and later in southern Norway. In the early 1900’s new deposits of Sunstone were discovered in Oregon, U.S.A. In 1987 it was declared are the official gemstone of the state. India has become the worlds larges source for Sunstone since that time. The aventurescence seen in gems from India is caused by the presence of millions of tiny platelets of hematite, while this effect in gems from Oregon is caused by inclusions of copper. More opaque stones are polished into cabochons while highly transparent material is generally faceted.
Category | Properties |
---|---|
Chemical Composition |
(Ca,Na)((Al,Si)2Si2O8) |
Mohs Hardness |
6 – 6.5 |
Luster |
Vitreous |
Specific Gravity |
2.64–2.660 |
Refractive Index |
1.525–1.58 |
Fluorescence |
Dark brown-red |
Crystal System |
Triclinic |
Diaphaneity |
Transparent to translucent |
Color |
Orange, Red, Yellow, Copper |
Origin |
Australia, Canada, China, Congo, India, Mexico, Norway, Russia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, United States |
Chakra |
Sacral (3rd) |
Zodiac |
Libra |
Element |
Fire |
Metaphysical Effects |
Dispels Fear, heightens intuitions, Good fortune, Vitality |
Sunstone Healing & Metaphysical Properties
Sunstone is a relatively lesser known gemstone but its popularity has been rising in recent years, in no small part due to its powerful energetic properties. It is a stone of fire that sparkles with dazzling flashes like a majestic sunset. Sunstone’s energy corresponds to the energetic body’s seat of power, the solar plexus chakra (3rd). When the solar plexus is free of blockages, energy flows freely from our “gut” where we manifest thoughts into actions. This is the center of our will power and where the “fight or flight” response is centered. Sunstone can help clear blockages of doubt, fears and emotional vulnerabilities. It’s fire energies help to purify the and transmute negative patterns.
Sunstone is a gem that illuminates the path to freedom and will-power, encouraging us to find the inner-leader, whether to simply lead ourselves with clarity or to help others and become a pillar of strength that can be depended on. When you are feeling down, physically or emotionally weak, this gem can help increase vitality and discover new-found enthusiasm for moving forward in a positive state.
If you are having self-doubt and feeling unsure of yourself, utilize Sunstone in jewelry or in a crystal layout. Visualize yourself standing in your power, full of strength with your feet firmly connected with the Earth. Your inner sun (solar plexus) radiates warm positive energy through your body and chases away the shadows, living a calm strength that can be relied upon.