Sunstone

Sunstones, as their name suggests, echo the warm colouring of the sun, with crystals ranging from a golden yellow to a fiery burnt orange colour.

Sunstones are also known as ‘Aventurine Feldspar’ and are a form of Plagioclase Feldspar. They have a distinct spangled appearance from copper inclusions. Light reflects off these inclusions creating an unusual and attractive schiller. The colour and schiller in a Sunstone is typically strongest at the centre of the crystal, paling around the edges to create a flame-like optical effect.

They are predominantly found in Norway and Sweden as well as Southern Australia and several locations across the United States.  Oregon is a state with three mines that produce Sunstones: The Ponderosa Mine in Harney County, the Dust Devil Mine and the Sunstone Butte Mine.

In Native American folklore Sunstones were believed to be formed from the blood of a great warrior who was wounded by an arrow. The droplets of his blood fell onto stones, colouring them a vivid red and imbuing them with a sacred power to heal and protect.