Origins & Geology
Found in: Norway, India, USA (Oregon), Canada, Russia
Sunstone is a variety of oligoclase or labradorite feldspar that exhibits aventurescence – a glittery, metallic sheen caused by plate-like inclusions of hematite or copper. The Oregon sunstone is one of few gems containing copper platelets, producing vivid red, orange, and green tones. It forms in volcanic lava flows and is Oregon's state gemstone.
Sunstone Meaning & Healing Properties
Reflecting the light and warmth of the sun, sunstone is a stone of joy, abundance, and personal power. It was sacred to the Vikings and ancient Greeks, who associated it with their solar deities. It clears and energizes all chakras, dispels fears and phobias, and restores a sense of optimism. Excellent for overcoming SAD (seasonal depression).
How to Use Sunstone
- Uplifting mood and fighting depression
- Building personal power and leadership
- Clearing fear and self-doubt
- Energising all chakras
- Seasonal depression (SAD)
Sunstone Facts
- Oregon sunstone is one of very few gems coloured by copper – not iron
- Viking navigators may have used a form of sunstone as a compass on cloudy days
- Ancient Greeks associated sunstone with the sun god Helios
- Oregon sunstone is the official state gemstone of Oregon, USA
How to Cleanse and Charge Sunstone
Sunstone is a feldspar containing tiny platelets of hematite or goethite, and it is those inclusions that flash copper and gold as the stone is turned. The feldspar cleavage means it chips more easily than its hardness of 6 to 6.5 suggests, so rinse briefly rather than soaking and keep it away from knocks. Salt dulls the polish and therefore the shimmer. Sunlight, appropriately enough, does it no harm, so a windowsill is one of the few places sunstone is genuinely happy.
How to Spot Fake Sunstone
The persistent confusion is with goldstone, the man-made glass that also sparkles copper — the names are close enough that they are frequently muddled, sometimes deliberately. Real sunstone shows aventurescence: irregular metallic flashes from platelets scattered unevenly through a translucent peach, orange or reddish body, visible at some angles and not others. Goldstone is a clear, glassy brown-orange with dense, perfectly even glitter throughout and no angle dependence. Sunstone also shows the fine cleavage lines typical of feldspar under magnification.
What to Pair Sunstone With
Sunstone is the warm counterpart to moonstone, and the two are very commonly paired — the combination is used for balancing outward action with inward reflection. It also sits well with citrine and carnelian for confidence and drive. For anyone who finds it makes them over-extended, black tourmaline or hematite give it a base. Its character is expansive rather than calming, so it pairs awkwardly with the quiet stones.
Questions People Ask About Sunstone
Can sunstone go in water?
Briefly. It is a feldspar with cleavage planes, so avoid soaking, hot water and salt.
What is the difference between sunstone and goldstone?
Goldstone is man-made glass with copper flecks distributed evenly throughout. Sunstone is a natural feldspar whose metallic flash comes from irregular hematite or goethite platelets and appears only at certain angles.
Can sunstone go in the sun?
Yes. Unlike most of the stones on this site, sunstone is not light-sensitive and can be charged in direct sunlight without fading.
What is sunstone used for?
Traditionally for confidence, warmth and outward action — it is often paired with moonstone as the active half of a balanced pair.
Where to get Sunstone
If you want to work with Sunstone as a physical stone, here are three forms commonly used.
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