Sunstone was first discovered by mineralogists in 1837. Initially, this gem was rare and expensive, with limited knowledge about it. It wasn't until the discovery of deposits in Norway and Siberia that it became widespread. Interestingly, archaeologists found that Vikings in the 10th century used Sunstone for navigation. In the 1900s, Sunstone was discovered in the Warner Valley desert region of Oregon, USA. It was later found that Native Americans had been collecting Sunstone for centuries. A local legend tells of a great warrior whose blood fell on the Sunstone after being struck by an arrow, infusing the stone with his warrior spirit and giving it a beautiful reddish hue and sacred power.
Sunstone belongs to the feldspar family and is distinguished by its sparkling metallic luster, called the “sunburst effect” or “aventurescence,” caused by the reflection of hematite or copper inclusions. Not all Sunstones exhibit this effect—some have smaller inclusions that create a soft orange sheen, while larger inclusions produce the sunburst phenomenon.
Given its name, Sunstone's spiritual properties naturally align with solar energy and deities like the Greek sun god Apollo, the Egyptian Ra, and the Hindu Surya.
Spiritual Properties of Sunstone:
☀️Solar Energy
Sunstone radiates qualities associated with the sun, such as optimism, enthusiasm, confidence, vitality, creativity, willpower, determination, good fortune, and success. It is particularly effective in enhancing leadership qualities, making it an ideal gem for leaders.
☀️Illuminates Darkness, Brings Light
As a carrier of solar energy, Sunstone can lift the clouds of depression and dispel fears of the dark or enclosed spaces.
☀️Stone of Joy
Known as the “Stone of Joy,” Sunstone, like the sun, generously shares its warmth, promoting generosity and kindness, inspiring us to help and bless others.
☀️Prosperity and Abundance
Sunstone embodies growth and abundance, enhancing prosperity both financially and spiritually.
☀️Energizes the Root, Sacral, and Solar Plexus Chakras
The more orange-red varieties of Sunstone strongly energize the root chakra, bringing passion, fearlessness, and vitality. The yellow shades stimulate the solar plexus chakra, fostering confidence and personal power. Regardless of the type, its orange energy opens the sacral chakra, encouraging joy, creativity, and deeper connections with others, enriching our enjoyment of life.
This batch of Grade A Sunstone is of particularly vivid and beautiful color, each piece guaranteed to exhibit the sunburst effect.
Tips for Choosing Sunstone:
1. There are two types of Sunstone. The first belongs to the Oligoclase or Orthoclase family, which is less transparent and contains hematite, creating a sunburst similar to Aventurine. Indian Sunstones typically fall into this category. The second type belongs to the Labradorite family, is more transparent, and contains copper, like the Sunstones found in Oregon. Both are authentic Sunstone varieties, despite their different appearances.
2. Be cautious of synthetic "Goldstone," which is sometimes sold under the name Sunstone. A quick Google search will show you the difference between them.
3. Sunstone tumbled stones are usually untreated or unenhanced, with the only exception being faceted Oregon Sunstone, which may undergo copper diffusion to intensify the color. For tumbled stones, there’s no need to worry about treatments.
4. Sunstone’s price increases with the intensity of its color and the prominence of its sunburst effect. Pale yellow stones or those with fewer sunburst inclusions tend to be less expensive. However, from a metaphysical perspective, each stone, regardless of appearance, holds unique energy. Choose the one that resonates with you, and cherish it—it will serve you perfectly.
Product Specifications
Sold individually. Please refer to the dropdown menu for specific sizes.
Sunstone Details
Family: Feldspar
Formula: (Ca,Na)(Al,Si)2Si2O8
Crystal System: Triclinic
Mohs Hardness: 6-6.5
Specific Gravity: 2.62-2.67
Transparency: Semi-transparent to opaque
Refractive Index: 1.525-1.552
Birefringence: 0.007-0.010
Pleochroism: Weak or none
Fluorescence: Deep brown-red
