Sunstone is a radiant and charming stone associated with happiness, abundance and love. This gemstone is valued for its beauty, cheerful energy and the spiritual benefits associated with it.
One of the best known gifts from Sunstone is to surround the life of its owner with light and harmony. Sunstone is a gem of the feldspar-group mineral. This stone gets its name from its unusual bright metallic flashes and glittery appearance. However, Sunstone is also known as Heliolite and its proper mineralogical name is Aventurine feldspar.
These gemstones have a red-brown color with tiny flakes or glitter in gold, yellow, orange or red. Some of them occasionally have blue or green. This creates a beautiful shine and sparkle when you move the stone. The effect is known as aventurescence and occurs thanks to the natural inclusions of hematite, goethite, pyrite and copper. This is probably what makes Sunstone so captivating among gem collectors and crystal lovers. It can be found displaying its magic in cabochons, earrings, pendants and more.
Sunstone was discovered almost recently compared with other gemstones: hundreds of years ago. The first Sunstone deposit was found by Native Americans in Oregon, USA. Other deposits were found in Russia and Norway in the 1800s. In 1987, Sunstone was declared the "state gemstone” by the Oregon Legislature. This inspired jewelry designers and lapidaries who began to offer it to tourists and residents as its own and special local stone.
Ancient Native Americans believed that the red shades of Sunstones were produced by the blood of brave warriors wounded by an arrow. According to this legend, the warrior’s spirit was captured inside the stone. Legends also said that it was used by Vikings on their journeys. Other Sunstone deposits has been found in Canada, Mexico, India, China, Australia, Congo, Ethiopia and Tanzania.
Sunstone Uses and Properties as a Birthstone:
Sunstone is not a traditional or modern birthstone. However, it is associated with the zodiac signs of Leo, Virgo, Scorpio and Aries.
Chakra Association:
Sunstone is related to Sacral and Heart Chakras. These are the centers of our passion, creativity, relationships and love.
Physical Benefits:
Sunstone is recognized for being positive to relieve depression thanks to its joyful energy. It’s also known for regulating the nervous system, enhancing a healthy metabolism and harmonizing all the organs. Some crystal and holistic healers find it beneficial to relieve stomach tension, ulcers and other issues related with the digestive system. Sunstone invites you to feel more positive and confident. An optimistic attitude is scientifically proven to be helpful to the proper functioning of cells, genes and the whole body.
PS - If you suffer from any physical pain, emotional problems or any other ailment, please consult a qualified doctor so they can provide you an appropriate treatment. Crystals are an energetic support but they are never a substitute for medical advice.
Emotional Benefits:
Sunstone is a healing stone related to fortune, abundance, good luck and wealth. It is also known for being protective. This sparkling stone is perfect for those moments when you want to lift your mood and feel happy. Sunstone’s energy helps to eliminate pessimism by promoting a positive personality and attitude. As Sunstone has this high and bright vibration, it is recommended to increase self-esteem, self-love, heal emotions and to find the inner certainty that we are valuable and more than enough. This gemstone is also recommended for people who find hard to say “no" and those who have the wounds of abandonment. Despite being more connected to the Sacral and Heart Chakras, the energy centers of our passion for life, sexuality, creativity and universal love, Sunstone is also considered positive for the Third Eye Chakra, making it a good stone to develop intuition and psychic gifts.
How to Use/Wear:
To receive the golden rays of happiness from Sunstone, place it where you feel most appropriate in your body. For example, on Sacral, Heart or Third Eye Chakra to balance and open those energy centers. Hold it in your hand for loving meditations and soothing emotions. Wear it everyday in bracelets, necklaces or any jewel to feel surrounded by its good vibrations. Sunstone is also great for Feng Shui at home or work spaces. This gemstone will purify any environment from dense energy replacing it for clarity and light.
How to care for:
Sunstone requires some care to keep its beauty and energy. All crystals can be charged with density from the environment or people, so it’s important to cleanse them often. Sunstone can be cleansed with warm, soapy water. Just place the gem under running water for a few seconds. If needed, you can also gently clean it with an old nail brush before rinsing and patting it dry with a soft cloth. Do not use any harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners or steamers to clean it. Store it separately from other gems. It might reduce its polish and scratch in contact with some jewelry, objects or other gemstones with similar or greater hardness.
Are you ready to fill your life with the light and joyful energy of Sunstone?