SUNSTONE

 

Sunstone, or heliolite, is a mineral that belongs to the feldspar group.

It can be colorless, orange, yellow, red, green, blue, brown, or coppery.

Its appearance is reminiscent of the sun's rays due to an optical effect that occurs because of the presence of inclusions of other minerals such as copper, hematite and goethite in the form of tiny scales, sometimes with green and blue iridescence.

The name heliolite comes from Greek "Helios", the sun, which is why they linked this gem with their solar god of the same name.

Mythical navigator's stone, it is believed to have been used by Vikings and other navigators of the time before the compass was invented. This would have allowed them to know the direction of the sun when the sky is cloudy by holding it in front of one eye.

For members of the solar cult among the Celts, heliolite symbolized cosmic light. Buddhists and Hindus associated this gem with the benevolent and protective god Vishnu. The ancient Egyptians made it the stone of their sun god Ra. These different cultures believed that it bestowed upon its wearer good fortune, prosperity and longevity.

Sometimes called "starstone" it is the stone of positive feelings.

Yang stone with the color of the stars, it is associated with the masculine, activity and heat. It promotes awareness allowing transforming the negative into positive.

It generates confidence in those who wear it, helping to open up to others, when decision-making and in general to face life with serenity. Besides, it influences charisma and drives personal ambitions.

The sunstone produces a general sensation of well-being by toning the body and strengthening the organism, soothing the nerves and helping to sleep and relax while dispelling stress and doubts.

Linked to the third chakra, located in the solar plexus, it regulates the digestive system and intestinal transit by improving both, while with the second chakra it is said to have a powerful effect on sexuality and fertility.

There are registered deposits around the world but sunstones are mainly extracted in southern Norway, Sweden, the United States, southern Australia, India and Siberia in Russia.

A variety was found in Oregon, United States in the 1980s, which contains only copper. The Oregon sunstone can be larger than other varieties and may present multiple hues of color.