Sunstone

Properties of sunstone

Also known as heliolite, sunstone belongs to the oligoclase family. The stone has a triclinic crystal system and is particularly prized for its colors, which range from brown to red and orange. If sunstone lives up to its name, it is primarily due to hematite or goethite inclusions that give it blue-green reflections. Its lustrous, metallic appearance is part of the unique characteristics that contribute to its popularity. It has a relatively high hardness of approximately 6 on the Mohs scale.

Extracted from metamorphic rocks, the most famous sunstone deposits are found primarily in North America, specifically the United States and Canada. Russia, India, and Norway are also among the countries with the richest deposits.

History of the sunstone

The story of the sunstone began in ancient times. The ancients believed that this stone, with its colors and brilliance, possessed magical and esoteric properties. This was most evident in some Viking beliefs, for example, where the sunstone was seen as a means of facilitating access to Valhalla (the afterlife in Norse mythology). Furthermore, according to some archaeological sources, Viking navigators used the sunstone for navigation at sea.

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For the ancient Greeks, possessing a sunstone, the stone of the sun god Helios, was a guarantee of good fortune and luck. Furthermore, Greek physicians used the stone to treat poisoning. The virtues and meaning of the sunstone have varied across the civilizations and cultures of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, but the fact remains that the stone has always been believed to possess protective and beneficial qualities.

Today, bloodstone is used in jewelry and is cut almost exclusively into cabochons.

Benefits of Sunstone

For specialists in lithotherapy, sunstone is considered a warm stone with toning and strengthening properties for the body. Sunstone is known to strengthen the heart and nervous system against daily stress, including stress and tension of all kinds. It is also said to be beneficial in treating allergies and respiratory problems. Its protective action relieves ulcers, rheumatism, sore throats, and various poisonings, as well as promoting restful sleep and peace of mind free from nightmares.

For the mind, sunstone brings good humor, joy of living, and helps combat depression, sadness, and melancholy. It is the stone of positive feelings, self-confidence, and empathy for others. Its vitalizing power helps overcome emotional blocks and promotes inner balance.

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On a karmic level, sunstone acts on the solar plexus chakra and facilitates bodily expression. The stone is believed to have beneficial properties for the sacral chakra, the seat of procreation and fertility, hence the sunstone's benefits for the sexual organs.

To purify the sunstone, simply immerse it in demineralized water (it is especially important to avoid using salt). To recharge it, simply expose it to the sun for as long as possible.

The astrological signs favorable to the sunstone are Aries, Leo, and Scorpio.