Alternative Names: Aventurine Feldspar (variety of Oligoclase)
Origin: India
Mineral Species: (Plagioclase Feldspar Series)
Mineral Group: Silicates
Chemical Formula: (NaAlSi3O8 - CaAl2Si2O8)
Hardness: 6-6.5
Crystal System: Triclinic
Colour: Yellow-brown to orange, orange-brown.
Typical Appearance: Usually massive crystalline, with an iridescent lustre and additional sparkle due to inclusions of hematite or goethite.
Birthstone: Aries & Leo
Chakra Alignment: Solar Plexus and Navel
Element: Sun
Origin of Name & Mythology: In allusion to the sun-like lustre and sparkle.
Sunstone is mood lifting and anti-depressant. It supports a sense of self-worth, and allows us to let go of feelings of failure and to believe in luck and happiness again. On a wider level, it helps us to see the world, and the past, in a better light.
Oregon Sunstone is slightly lighter in feel and more powerful than ordinary sunstone. It creates a "fan" of golden light from the Solar Plexus up through the body. It enables a stronger flow of energy throughout the body and stimulates kidney energy (in the Chinese system). It connects with the subtle body while ordinary sunstone connects more with the physical. In Oregon Sunstone, the sparkle comes from inclusions of Copper rather than Hematite.