Geology / History
Sunstone is a member of the feldspar family, there are three varieties of Sunstone they are distinguished as Plagioclase Oligoclase Sunstone & Orthoclase sunstone (lattice Sunstone) and Labradorite Sunstone (Oregon Sunstone).
Sunstone is prized for its sheen which when viewed from certain directions exhibits a brilliant and scintillating optical effect known as aventurescence. The optical effect appears due to reflections from inclusions of either Hematite & Goethite (Plagioclase Oligoclase Sunstone), Copper (Plagioclase Labradorite Sunstone) or Magnetite & Hematite ( Alkali Orthoclase Sunstone) in the form of minute inclusions, which are hexagonal, rhombic, or irregular in shape and orientated in a parallel plane with directions dictated by crystallographic control. These inclusions give the stone a glittery appearance, like that of Aventurine, hence Sunstone is known also as Aventurine feldspar.
The feldspar which usually displays the best aventurescent sheen is Plagioclase Oligoclase Sunstone, though the effect can also be seen in the Alkali Orthoclase variety as well, this variety can also exhibit adularescence. Sunstone is found in various locations globally such as India, Australia, USA and other locations. They are geologically found in sub-acid and intermediate igneous rocks, accompanying Orthoclase in many granites, also occurs in metamorphic rocks of various origins.
Metaphysical Properties
Traditionally the stone of luck & good fortune. Brings joy & sweetness back into your life. It lets the sun shine again in times of darkness & heightens intuition. Clears all chakras, bringing light & energy in. This is a stone to help you to unhook past unwanted connections. Allows the true self to happily shine through. A good antidepressant it lifts dark moods. Increases self worth & empowerment. Stops procrastinating allows you to say no & prevents others draining your energy.
Crystal Healing
Stimulates self-healing, harmonises all organs, relieves rheumatism, aches & pains.
Mineralogy
Group: Feldspars, Silicates-Tectosilicates
Crystal System: Triclinic Plagioclase Sunstones) or Monoclinic (Orthoclase Sunstone)
Composition: (Ca,Na)((Al,Si)2Si2O8)
Form/Habit: Massive Euhedral Crystals, granular
Hardness: 6
Cleavage: Perfect
Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven, brittle
Lustre: Vitreous
Streak: White
Specific Gravity: 2.6
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
R.I: 1.525–1.58
Colour: clear with yellow, red, green, blue and copper inclusions
Sunstone is a member of the feldspar family, there are three varieties of Sunstone they are distinguished as Plagioclase Oligoclase Sunstone & Orthoclase sunstone (lattice Sunstone) and Labradorite Sunstone (Oregon Sunstone).
Sunstone is prized for its sheen which when viewed from certain directions exhibits a brilliant and scintillating optical effect known as aventurescence. The optical effect appears due to reflections from inclusions of either Hematite & Goethite (Plagioclase Oligoclase Sunstone), Copper (Plagioclase Labradorite Sunstone) or Magnetite & Hematite ( Alkali Orthoclase Sunstone) in the form of minute inclusions, which are hexagonal, rhombic, or irregular in shape and orientated in a parallel plane with directions dictated by crystallographic control. These inclusions give the stone a glittery appearance, like that of Aventurine, hence Sunstone is known also as Aventurine feldspar.
The feldspar which usually displays the best aventurescent sheen is Plagioclase Oligoclase Sunstone, though the effect can also be seen in the Alkali Orthoclase variety as well, this variety can also exhibit adularescence. Sunstone is found in various locations globally such as India, Australia, USA and other locations. They are geologically found in sub-acid and intermediate igneous rocks, accompanying Orthoclase in many granites, also occurs in metamorphic rocks of various origins.
Metaphysical Properties
Traditionally the stone of luck & good fortune. Brings joy & sweetness back into your life. It lets the sun shine again in times of darkness & heightens intuition. Clears all chakras, bringing light & energy in. This is a stone to help you to unhook past unwanted connections. Allows the true self to happily shine through. A good antidepressant it lifts dark moods. Increases self worth & empowerment. Stops procrastinating allows you to say no & prevents others draining your energy.
Crystal Healing
Stimulates self-healing, harmonises all organs, relieves rheumatism, aches & pains.
Mineralogy
Group: Feldspars, Silicates-Tectosilicates
Crystal System: Triclinic Plagioclase Sunstones) or Monoclinic (Orthoclase Sunstone)
Composition: (Ca,Na)((Al,Si)2Si2O8)
Form/Habit: Massive Euhedral Crystals, granular
Hardness: 6
Cleavage: Perfect
Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven, brittle
Lustre: Vitreous
Streak: White
Specific Gravity: 2.6
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
R.I: 1.525–1.58
Colour: clear with yellow, red, green, blue and copper inclusions