Sunstone is a member of the Feldspar family, and is named for its warm shades of gold, orange, reds and browns that sparkle like the sun. Inclusions of Goethite or Hematite refract light between the different crystal layers and produce an iridescent effect as the stone is viewed from various angles. Sunstone may be clear and transparent, or opaque, and is readily available on the market. Clean red specimens, however, are rare.
Sunstone Characteristics
- Hardness: 6 – 6.5
- Color: Red, Pink, Orange, Brown
- Transparency: Translucent, Transparent
- Chemical composition: (Na,Ca)Al₁₋₂ Si₃₋₂ O₈, KAlSi₃O₈
- Crystal system: Triclinic crystal system
- Crystal habit: Euhedral crystals, granular
- Refractive index: 1.525–1.58
Meaning of Sunstone
The spiritual meaning of Sunstone is the representation of the ultimate energetic source of light, warmth, and life on our planet.
Its rich reddish-orange facets contain all the healing power as the star, which shines high in our sky. It is the representation of Ra in Egyptian mythology and Helios in Greek mythology, both representations of sun gods.
Even further back, indigenous peoples believed that this crystal fell during solar eclipses, a part of our sun fallen from heaven.
Other cultures refer to it as a “phenomenal stone” for its way in which the light changed off its many angles during the day, with some even only wearing it on Sunday.
Sunstone is a stone of the divine masculine energy. As a perfect complementary stone to Moonstone, Sunstone embodies the Yang half of the Yin Yang duality, the part of universal life force energy which centers around expansion, action, forward movement, and linear qualities.
By working with Sunstone, you can begin to develop your masculine qualities, regardless of your gender.
This means that specific tasks or challenges which require more masculine energy will become more accessible, such as increasing assertiveness, leading groups of people, or completing tasks that require you to work alone, relying on only your strength.
Sunstone has also been used in spiritual ceremonies and rituals throughout the ages. First Nations in Canada incorporated Sunstone into their medicine wheel healing ceremonies.
By placing Sunstone in the medicine wheel’s center, they were able to show their patients the healing power of the sun. When contacted by a spirit guide, the stone would change different colors and shine.
Similarly, Sunstone has been used to treat rheumatism throughout history. By sitting in the sun and surrounding themselves with Sunstones, patients could receive the powerful healing which this stone can provide. Also, having extended contact with Sunstones has been said to provide relief to feet and spinal problems.
Sunstone History
Sunstone began as a costly and little-known gemstone until deposits were found in Norway and Siberia. This gemstone has a special history in the United States, however, where sunstone varieties called “heliolite” have been mined in Oregon. One particular sunstone was found in ancient lava fields of Warner Valley. According to native legend, a great warrior was wounded by an arrow and his blood dripped onto the stones. The spirit of this warrior was carried into the stones and colored them with beautiful tones of red while also imbuing the gems with sacred power.
Sunstone has been known for at least a few hundred years. The sunstone deposits of Oregon were discovered by Native Americans who collected the gems, treasured them, traded them widely, and sometimes buried their dead with a small bag of stones.
Sunstone deposits near Lake Baikal in Russia were mined in the early 1800s, and deposits in southern Norway were mined in the late 1800s. Some stones are still produced in these areas.
In the United States the common use of sunstone by lapidaries began in the early 1900s. At that time Tiffany & Company acquired mining claims near the community of Plush, Oregon. There they opened the first commercial sunstone mine in the United States and produced jewelry with faceted sunstone and sunstone cabochons. They called the clear stones “Plush Diamonds.” Their efforts with sunstone must not have met Tiffany’s expectations because they stopped production and sold their claims.
In the early 1980s, new sunstone deposits capable of sustaining commercial mining operations were discovered in Oregon. This was celebrated in 1987 when the Oregon legislature named “Oregon Sunstone” the official state gemstone. This called attention to sunstone within Oregon and to the lapidary community within the United States.
Benefits of Sunstone
With the radiance of the sun and the fire of the solar ray, Sunstone carries the energy of Ra, the sun god, whose energy brings all potential life from within the Earth. It is a Stone of Leadership – of personal power, freedom, and expanded consciousness. Truly reflecting the qualities of Light, it brings openness, benevolence and warmth, strength, mental clarity, and the willingness and ability to bestow blessings upon others.
Known as a joyful stone, Sunstone inspires the nurturing of self in order to be of service to others. It restores the enjoyment of life, good nature and provides a sense of abundance.
Sunstone is an abundance stone. It encourages independence and originality, is inspirational in revealing talents, and attracts fame and unexpected prosperity. It is an excellent “good luck” crystal for competitions.
Wear Sunstone to feel alive and enthusiastic. It increases vitality and is beneficial in starting, and maintaining, a fitness program or aerobic activity, and for occupations requiring high energy throughout the day. [Eason, 116]
As a workplace crystal, Sunstone increases your profile and brings opportunities for leadership and promotion. Place next to your computer when advertising your own business or services online.
Sunstone provides a source of strength if you are dependent on others emotionally, or have suffered the sudden loss of a partner. It helps alleviate fearfulness and stress and protects against those who drain your energies or finances. It is also an excellent crystal for phobia sufferers to ease the fear of the dark, enclosed places, or the presence of other triggers.
Worn as a ring on the receptive hand, Sunstone helps one receive what is needed and desired. On the transmitting hand, it channels multiple healings and blessings to others. Worn as a pendant, Sunstone brings the heart’s wisdom into alignment with the mind’s inspirations.
Care Instruction
sunstone, do not react well to harsh cleaners such as bleach and should not be used in ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Exposure to sudden high heat is not recommended. The best method to clean sunstone is to simply use warm, soapy water. Ensure the stone and any jewelry settings are thoroughly dry before storing. Store sunstones away from other harder gemstones that could cause scratching along the surface.
Sunstone