Sunstone Properties

General

ˈsən-ˈstōn

Gentle Cleansing Stone

Believed to be a piece of the sun, sunstone was prized by ancient magicians, who used it to attract the strength of the sun and it’s associated power and wealth. It is commonly associated with the Phoenix that appeared at the first sunrise. Sunstone is an Oligoclase, which is a species of plagioclase feldspar. Specifically it is one of the six species used in gemstone jewelry. Less commonly this is also called aventurine feldspar, but is not often referred to by this name.

Labradorite is also one of the other more common plagioclase feldspar, as well as Albite. It is a joyful, light inspiring stone which often instills the feeling of joie de vivre, it is good natured and heightens ones intuition. There are two types of “Sunstone” in the general population today….the first being the natural feldspar as initially spoken, imported most often from India it resembles an orange opal, with a fiery, multicolored flash (from the hematite).

The other is a form of andesine feldspar, that is colored with copper and it’s called Oregon Sunstone. The optical effect is called shiller and the color in Oregon Sunstone is darker toward the center because of the density of the copper. The amount of copper leads to various colors within some stones. The more copper within the stone, the darker the complexion. Oregon Sunstone which of course is found in Oregon, USA, is the most common form on the market now, but do not despair, as the more natural Sunstone is still readily available.

Scientific Gemstone Properties

Mohs Hardness of 6 with a triclinic crystal structure

Sunstone is a plagioclase feldspar exhibiting in certain directions a brilliant spangled appearance, which has led to its use as a gemstone.

The effect appears to be due to reflections from enclosures of red hematite, in the form of minute scales, which are hexagonal, rhombic or irregular in shape, and are disposed parallel to the principal cleavage-plane. These enclosures give the stone an appearance something like that of Aventurine, hence sunstone is known also as “aventurine-feldspar.”

Sunstone is not common, the best-known locality being in south Norway, where masses of the sunstone occur embedded in a vein of quartz running through gneiss. It is found also near Lake Baikal, in Siberia, and at several localities in the United States, notably in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and in Statesville, North Carolina.

Metaphysical Gemstone Properties

Sunstone has a very positive effect on one’s psyche, it promotes good humor, cheerfulness and an even temper. It may provide the necessary stamina and energy to undertake projects and tasks that one may find daunting.

It offers self confidence and helps its wearer to discover one’s own nature and live accordingly. It assists its wearer in maintaining a positive attitude towards one’s own life and to use inherent strengths while still allowing the sunny side of the personality raise to the forefront.

Carry Sunstone at all times if one have difficulty saying “no” to people, and continually make sacrifices for others. Sunstone will detach one’s feelings of being discriminated against, disadvantaged or abandoned; it will remove inhibitions and hang ups, reversing feelings of failure. It will increase feelings of self-worth, and confidence encouraging optimism and enthusiasm. It will switch all feelings to a positive take on any event. Even the most incorrigible pessimist will respond to Sunstone.

Healing Gemstone Properties

Sunstone enables and enhances it’s wearer with self healing powers. It stimulates the vegetative, autonomic nervous system and enhances the harmonious functioning of all the body’s organs. It is quite helpful in cases of exhaustion due to lack of sleep.

It will treat chronic sore throats and relieves the pain of stomach ulcers. It is quite successful on Seasonal Affective Disorder (or SAD), it is also known to relieve cartilage problems, rheumatism and general aches and pains.

Sunstone will lift depression and free it’s wearer from feelings of discrimination and failure as well as images of an ‘evil world’. Sunstone easily increases a sense of self-esteem as well as self-worth.

Sunstone is particularly beneficial when used in the sun, sunshine, or sunlight.

Magical Gemstone Properties

Energy: Projective
Element: Fire
Planet: Sun
Deities:
Powers: Protection, Energy & Health
Candle Color: Gold

Sunstone and Moonstone together are often used in Solstice rituals, either on the altar of by having the priest wear sunstone and the priestess wearing moonstone, thus representing the balance of power between the physical, psychic and spiritual attributes.

Sunstone also helps to find and keep a beneficial sexual relationship, it is a protective and powerful stone. This gemstone adds energy to other stones as well as to rituals and spell workings. Symbolically Sunstone is linked to Moonstone.

Zodiac Gemstone Properties

Zodiac Stone of: Leo

Associations: Sun

Birthstone: Not a birthstone for any month

Sunstone symbolizes approaching success.

Chakra Gemstone Properties

Placed on the 3rd, Solar Plexus Chakra Sunstone will lift out heavy and/or repressed emotions and transmutes them very effectively.  Although it is most effective on the 2nd, Sacral Chakra, assisting one in self nurturing.

Sunstone is quite useful in removing ‘hooks’ from other people or ‘chording’ whether located in the chakras or the aura. These hooks can be at the emotional or mental level, and may come from possessive parents, children, friends or lovers. They have the effect of draining energy, often when one leasts expect to feel drained. Sunstone lovingly returns the contact to the other persona and is quite beneficial for cutting those ties.