Learn All About Sunstone

Sunstone

Sunstone is a favorite of mine.  The soft peachy orange color with sprinkles of shimmery specks, provides a unique and fancy look.  You don't see sunstone in

much jewelry, as most people have never heard of the stone.  The stone is found in various places around the world, including being mined from Oregon, so we can support our country and look fabulous while doing so. 
I love to pair the stone with moonstone and/or labradorite, since they all share a shimmer characteristic.  

Sunstone shows a distinct and lively glitter called aventurescence. Aventurescence is a sparkly, metallic-looking luster caused by flat, reflective inclusions, sometimes called “schiller” by sunstone fanciers. Whereas, labradorite has "Labradorescence." Labradorescence is not a display of colors reflected from the surface of a specimen. Instead, light enters the stone, strikes a twinning surface within the stone, and reflects from it. The color seen by the observer is the color of light reflected from that twinning surface. Different twinning surfaces within the stone reflect different colors of light. Light reflecting from different twinning surfaces in various parts of the stone can give the stone a multi-colored appearance.

On the Mohs scale of hardness, Sunstone is a 6 to 6.5 out of 10 which make is appropriate for use in numerous types of jewelry. Sunstone gemstones are not known to be treated or have enhancements of any kind.Although sunstone deposits can be found in various locations around the world, there is no single source from which it is commercially mined. Deposits are found in India, Canada, Madagascar, Norway, Russia, and the USA. The appearance of Sunstone can be glittery and beautiful, and it can make excellent pieces of jewelry with these unique attributes.

Metaphysical

Sunstone is believed to have several metaphysical properties. Believers of paganism and Wicca often use sunstone for alternative and crystall healing.

Care
Traditionally, sunstone is linked to good luck, fortune and wealth. In ancient times, this stone was used by natives for trade and barter. Sunstone was believed to have been worn by the Vikings as talismans and used for navigation because it was associated with the sun. It was often used to call upon the power and influence of the sun and was used as a protective stone. In ancient Greece, sunstone was thought to symbolize the sun god. Many believed it could bring warmth, life and abundance to those who wore or possessed it.
Do not use any harsh chemicals or cleaners to clean your gems. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or steamers. Simply use a mild soap and a soft cloth to clean your gemstones. Rinse your gemstone well under lukewarm water to remove any soapy residue. Always remove sunstone jewelry before exercising, playing sports or performing harsh household chores, such as dishwashing.