Post by Kirree on Apr 10, 2004 17:23:43 GMT -5
SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION: Sunstone is a member of the Plagioclase Feldspar Group. This group is a series of mixtures of sodium and calcium aluminum silicates. Sometimes confused with Fire Opal, this stone has a fiery, multicolored flash, mostly golden yellow and orange thru red-orange in hue. Rather than the "flash" being "inside" the stone, as it is with opal, it is more on the surface, resembling a "red/orange/yellow labradorite." The average hardness is 6 and the streak is white.
ENVIRONMENT: The plagioclase feldspars are important rock- forming minerals and are found in many kinds of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
OCCURRENCE: The best material is from Tvedestrand, Norway. It is found in small masses several inches across of a deep reddish-orange color. Cut gems produce gleaming golden reflections. Fair Sunstone has been found in Alan Wood Iron Mine, Mine Hill, New Jersey and occasionally from Modoc County California. Some material has also been found in Oregon and Canada, although I suspect this is Orthoclase material.
GEMSTONE INFORMATION: Many of the feldspars have traditionally been cut into cabochons and polished because of their "internal glow". Sunstone, although rather rare, has been treated in this manner. More often, cut stones called "sunstones" are a clear/yellow Orthoclase, rather than the Plagioclase.
NAME: Sunstone derives it's name from it's appearance: Its bright golden orange flash reminds us of the Sun's rays. LEGEND and LORE: Sunstone was used by Magicians in the past, to invoke the energies associated with the Sun. There is very little data available on ancient usages. This is probably because the stone is rare.
MAGICAL PROPERTIES: Cunningham suggests that this stone can be used to enliven sexual energy.
HEALING: Again, there isn't much literature on healing uses, either. Cunningham suggest placing a piece in with dried healing herbs to strengthen their potency. He also suggest that it will add physical strength and stamina when carried or worn.
NOTES: There are three different, distinct stones that you may find under the description of "sunstone". One is actually a red/orange/brown version of Adventurine. Another is a clear/yellow crystal, which is actually a member of the Orthoclase family. Each one has a different chemical composition, different appearance and different magical/healing energies. I agree with Cunningham, in that I feel the one described here and in his book is the "true" Sunstone.
ENVIRONMENT: The plagioclase feldspars are important rock- forming minerals and are found in many kinds of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
OCCURRENCE: The best material is from Tvedestrand, Norway. It is found in small masses several inches across of a deep reddish-orange color. Cut gems produce gleaming golden reflections. Fair Sunstone has been found in Alan Wood Iron Mine, Mine Hill, New Jersey and occasionally from Modoc County California. Some material has also been found in Oregon and Canada, although I suspect this is Orthoclase material.
GEMSTONE INFORMATION: Many of the feldspars have traditionally been cut into cabochons and polished because of their "internal glow". Sunstone, although rather rare, has been treated in this manner. More often, cut stones called "sunstones" are a clear/yellow Orthoclase, rather than the Plagioclase.
NAME: Sunstone derives it's name from it's appearance: Its bright golden orange flash reminds us of the Sun's rays. LEGEND and LORE: Sunstone was used by Magicians in the past, to invoke the energies associated with the Sun. There is very little data available on ancient usages. This is probably because the stone is rare.
MAGICAL PROPERTIES: Cunningham suggests that this stone can be used to enliven sexual energy.
HEALING: Again, there isn't much literature on healing uses, either. Cunningham suggest placing a piece in with dried healing herbs to strengthen their potency. He also suggest that it will add physical strength and stamina when carried or worn.
NOTES: There are three different, distinct stones that you may find under the description of "sunstone". One is actually a red/orange/brown version of Adventurine. Another is a clear/yellow crystal, which is actually a member of the Orthoclase family. Each one has a different chemical composition, different appearance and different magical/healing energies. I agree with Cunningham, in that I feel the one described here and in his book is the "true" Sunstone.