Sunstone
Sunstone meaning: Viking, rainbow lattice, black crystal.
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A plagioclase feldspar, which when viewed from certain directions exhibits a spangled appearance. It has been found in Southern Norway, Sweden and in various United States localities.
Aventurine feldspar
The optical effect appears to be due to reflections from inclusions of red copper, in the form of minute scales, which are hexagonal, rhombic, or irregular in shape, and are disposed parallel to the principal cleavage-plane. These inclusions give the stone an appearance something like that of aventurine, hence sunstone is known also as aventurine feldspar.
The optical effect called shiller and the color is due to copper. The middle part of this crystal sparkles, and usually the color is darkest in the middle and becomes lighter toward the outer edges.
Oligoclase
The feldspar which usually displays the aventurine appearance is oligoclase, though the effect is sometimes seen in orthoclase: hence two kinds of stone are distinguished as oligoclase and orthoclase sunstone.
Treatment
In the early 2000s, red or green gemstone resembling sunstone and known as Andesine appeared in the gem market. After much controversy and debate, most of these gemstones, allegedly sourced from China and sold by JTV, were subsequently discovered to have been artificially colored by a copper diffusion process.
An alleged Tibetan source of bona fide untreated red andesine was attributed by a number of independent groups of well-respected gemologists, but was later found to be false.
Feldspars
Feldspars are a group of rock-forming tectosilicate minerals that make up about 41% of the Earth’s continental crust by weight. Feldspars crystallize from magma as veins in both intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks and are also present in many types of metamorphic rock.
Rock formed almost entirely of calcic plagioclase feldspar is known as anorthosite. Feldspars are also found in many types of sedimentary rocks. This group of minerals consists of tectosilicates. Compositions of major elements in common feldspars can be expressed in terms of three endmembers:
- Potassium feldspar endmember KAlSi3O8
- Albite endmember NaAlSi3O8
- Anorthite endmember CaAl2Si2O8
Viking sunstone
A theory exists that the sunstone had polarizing attributes and was used as a navigation instrument by seafarers in the Viking Age. A stone found in 2013 off Alderney, in the wreck of a 16th-century warship, may lend evidence of the existence of Viking sunstones as navigational devices.
Iceland spar, formerly known as Iceland crystal, is a transparent variety of calcite, or crystallized calcium carbonate, originally brought from Iceland, and used in demonstrating the polarization of light. It occurs in large readily cleavable crystals, is easily divisible into rhombuses, and is remarkable for its birefringence.
This means that the index of refraction of the crystal is different for light of different polarization. A ray of unpolarized light passing through the crystal divides into two rays of perpendicular polarization directed at different angles, called double refraction. So objects seen through the crystal appear doubled.
Rainbow lattice sunstone
Rainbow lattice sunstone is a type of feldspar which is predominantly moonstone that is made up of 75% orthoclase and 25% albite.
The inclusions in rainbow lattice sunstone are the result of crystallographically oriented exsolution crystals within the feldspar mass.
Whilst the initial testing of the stones inclusions conducted in 1989 concluded that the inclusions were made up of ilmenite and hematite, with the advancement in technology over the last 3 decades, a recently conducted more in depth analysis has found the black blades and triangle inclusions in Rainbow Lattice to be magnetite.
Black sunstone
Black sunstone is a new stone appears in the market and only found in southern India.
The information on the black sunstone is spotty and it claims to be a grey aventurine or graphinite, But the stone can not be both so we will be researching more information about this stone.
Sunstone crystal meaning and healing properties benefits
The following section is pseudo scientific and based on cultural beliefs.
Sunstone crystal meaning and healing properties benefits are linked to luck and good fortune. It clears and energizes all the chakras. Crystal instills good nature, heightens intuition and allows the real self to shine through happily. It dissipates fearfulness, alleviates stress and increases vitality. Encourages independence and originality.
FAQ
What are sunstones worth?
Pale yellow to colorless, non-phenomenal Oregon stones, whether native cut or calibrated stones, may go for a few dollars per carat to $20 per carat for a custom cut. Pinks and tans, with and without schiller, commonly range up to $50 per carat, depending on the effect.
What is sunstone used for?
It instills good nature, heightens intuition and allows the real self to shine through happily. It dissipates fearfulness, alleviates stress and increases vitality. Encourages independence and originality. Especially helpful to those who have difficulty saying “No” to others.
Who can wear sunstone?
All people with problems to achieve stability and personal strength may consider to wear this stone. It will give them personal power and integrity to fight for their interest, and encourage them to oppose the maltreatment by others. The gemstone is believed to help overcome phobia and mental problems such as depression.
How do you care for a sunstone?
Warm, soapy water is always a safe cleaning method. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners should be avoided. Feldspars are rapidly attacked by hydrochloric acid, so cleaning products containing bleach should also be avoided. Rarely, the stone might be fracture filled.
Are sunstones rare?
It is a rare and sought after collector’s item and makes for spectacular jewelry. It is generally cut to round or oval cabochons, but sometimes faceted in emerald cut.
Is sunstone man made?
No. It s 100% natural. This is the most prominent distinction with goldstone.
Where are sunstones found?
A plagioclase feldspar, which when viewed from certain directions exhibits a spangled appearance. It has been found in Southern Norway, Sweden, various United States localities and on some beaches along the midcoast of South Australia.
Is crystal sunstone a lucky stone?
The stone is a good luck crystal when you are joining competitions. In a workplace setting, this stone can bring opportunities for promotion. It will also dispel stress or fear, and it will protect you from anyone or anything that will drain your finances and your energy.
Natural sunstone for sale in our gem shop
We make custom made sunstone jewelry as engagement rings, necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets, pendants… Please contact us for a quote.