The Radiant and Energizing Qualities of Sunstone
Step into the bright world of Sunstone, a radiant gem that is not just beautiful but that also brings a vibrant energy and joy that’s hard to match. You might know Sunstone for its brilliant aventurescence—it has a way of reflecting light that makes it seem as if there are sunbeams coming out of it and, being a lover of all things Sunstone, I might even go so far as to say that Sunstone has the best aventurescent qualities of any crystal. But that’s not all there is to Sunstone. Its warm yellow and reddish-brown hues might grab your attention at first, and yes, they are stunning, but here’s where things get really interesting: Sunstone carries with it a wealth of properties that make it an excellent ally in your corner, promoting optimism, vitality, and good fortune in equal measure.
The Healing and Spiritual Benefits of Sunstone
Crystal healing and spirituality hold Sunstone in high regard, particularly for how effortlessly it appears to bestow empowerment onto the user. When it’s recommended in crystal healing, it’s commonly linked to the solar plexus chakra and said to stimulate confidence, creativity, and emotional balance. But what is Sunstone really, and what can it do for you? No doubt, this bright gem is an eye-catcher, and when a piece of Sunstone is set in an intimate space, the effect is to draw your attention toward the Sunstone itself. Whether you use the following information to make your case for placing a piece of Sunstone indoors or to impress the next time you’re showing off your collection, I’m giving you the lowdown on geology, metaphysics, uses, and a bit of history associated with this vibrant mineral.
The Geological Properties and Formation of Sunstone
Sunstone, a mesmerizing gem that belongs to the Feldspar family, captures the warmth and brilliance of the sun. Well known for its shimmery, almost liquid-like effect reminiscent of sunlight on water, this remarkable stone has a unique feature tied to a special property of light called “adularescence.” This unique effect is a result of using tiny, plate-like inclusions of minerals like hematite or goethite that reflect light in stunning ways. The effect you’d see on one of these gems would be a coppery-colored, sunshiny effect. Although we associate “sunny” colors like yellow and gold with sunstone, its color range is awesomely wide. It ranges from pale colors that wouldn’t be out of place on a slight golden morning to vibrant, fiery oranges that would pop in any sunrise or sunset.
The Shimmering and Lustrous Appearance of Sunstone
The types of Sunstone that everyone wishes to find exhibit not just the usual visual appearance of a gemstone, but they also display the most magical kind of shimmer. Sunstone can appear almost opaque, but it can also be surprisingly lustrous, seemingly glowing even when seen under normal light. This type of appearance is what most people associate with the gemstones of the feldspar family, which includes Sunstone. One of the reasons why Sunstone is so sought after is not just that it can be found with coppery inclusions, which is what gives it that magnificent, dazzling effect. You’ll find that Sunstone in general can be a fairly lustrous mineral.
The Historical Significance and Uses of Sunstone
The Vikings held Sunstone in high regard as a valuable navigational tool for voyaging across the sea. Today, when we think of Sunstone, we often think of it as a beautiful piece of jewelry. And why wouldn’t we? It has an unearthly quality—glistening like the gold of a summer sun, yet warm and rich in color like the jewels of autumn. Sunstone, with its sparkly appearance, has a hyper-feminine vibe that makes it quite versatile. Whether you’re looking for something pretty to wear with your everyday office ensemble or seeking a dazzling piece fit for a formal occasion, Sunstone can accommodate your jewelry needs while reminding you of the sun’s safe return (it’s an ancient symbol for positivity, after all).
The Energizing and Confidence-Boosting Effects of Sunstone
The widely recognized ability of Sunstone to neutralize negativity and replace it with joy and enthusiasm makes this stone a top choice when seeking a tool for manifestation or in need of a confidence boost. With its dynamic energy, Sunstone fosters optimism and creativity, making it a great stone to work with when gearing up for a big project or when feeling stuck. Sunstone loves nourishing life’s energies, which is what makes it such a wonderful companion when faced with a demanding schedule or when going through a challenging time. As a warm stone that imparts a sense of vitality, it even helps dissolve fears and replaces them with a sense of self-assuredness that many of us could benefit from.
Sunstone as a Creative Muse and Artistic Catalyst
Sunstone can serve as a muse for those involved in creative pursuits—artists, writers, musicians, or anyone else engaged in creative work—stimulating not only new ideas but also something even more elusive and vital: the overcoming of artistic blocks. Most people believe Sunstone can do all this because it is a highly energizing stone, one of the few “sunny” stones in the mineral world. The Sunstone’s brilliance flares through its many internal textures, and in this master’s class, we’re going to study the many panels and features of its internal landscape.
How to Set the Scene for Sunstone’s Energy
Setting the Scene: Locate a serene and cozy spot where you can truly unwind. Maybe you’re in your living room or a park where you can be alone. To make the atmosphere even more splendid, you could surround yourself with flowers and artwork that bring you joy or have some kind of immersive, “uplifting” sound in the background. The moment you step into this setting, you should feel your body and mind dropping into a state of relaxation. You’re ready to receive the sunstone’s blessings.
Closing the Sunstone Ritual for Positive Energy
Imagine this light driving out all the dark and negative energies in your life and leaving only bright, positive vibrations behind. Closing the Ritual: Pay careful attention to the present. Thank the Sunstone for the energy it has given you. Put the crystal somewhere you can see it all the time, as a reminder of the intention for which you used it.
Using Sunstone as a Decorative Element in Your Home
Sunstone can make a perfect home decor item. When it comes to decorating your room, putting a big Sunstone in an unlikely spot is one of my favorite go-to moves. No one’s expecting a big ol’ slab of Sunstone to be in your kitchen. Yet, it looks amazing on open shelving tucked between some plants or above the sink. The dining room? Wow, just wow. Sunstone on the table and some chairs around it is a total vibe. The versatility of decor is something that not everyone thinks of when they peg Sunstone as only a mental health or physical health booster.
The Best Ways to Wear and Carry Sunstone
The best way to carry the high-vibrational energy of Sunstone is to wear it as jewelry. “You’re not just wearing a beautiful adornment; you’re wearing something that has a kind of personality, a way of being that really expresses what Sunstone is all about,” says Alexis Smart, founder of Sunstone Jewelry. “And that’s confidence, that’s optimism, that’s all the things we really could use more of in this day and age.” And if you’re not the jewelry type, carrying a tumbled stone in your pocket or purse works just as well.
Using Sunstone in Feng Shui to Boost Energy
Using Sunstone in Feng Shui for Fame and Reputation: Using Sunstone in the southern sector of your home can supercharge your fame and reputation zone, thanks to this crystal’s solar energy—great for gaining recognition and positive attention. Creativity and Children (in the Western Sector): Placing Sunstone in the western sector of your home enhances creativity and joy, benefiting both artistic pursuits and the happiness of children in your household.
Methods for Cleansing and Charging Sunstone
Water Cleansing
Water Cleansing: To wash away any negative energy your Sunstone might be holding, give it a gentle rinse under lukewarm running water. Since Sunstone is relatively soft compared to other crystals, you may want to consider doing a “Hand Wash” instead of a “Dishwasher” cleanse—keeping the pressure of the running water on low. After rinsing, you can pat the stone dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid using hot water, as it can cause crystals to crack.
Sound Cleansing
Another way to thoroughly cleanse and recharge your crystals is with sound. The vibrations from a singing bowl or a well-struck bell can be used to “tune” your crystals. You may feel that this is a more esoteric practice; however, many serious practitioners of crystal work use sound to accomplish this basic task. Another way serious practitioners charge their crystals is by placing them in sunlight. The sun’s rays are said to bring out and enhance the natural properties of the stone. While this is very effective, it is important to remember that not all stones can withstand direct sunlight for any period without suffering some form of fading or damage.
Earth Charging
Charging the Sunstone: Bury it in the earth overnight; allow it to bathe in the grounding energy of the earth. The process reinforces the connection and lets the stone once again amplify it and shine it forth into the world, as is the destiny of all good stones—Shine in Ya World; in Your World, Stone! Our detailed study of Sunstone thus far might lead you to the conclusion that indeed Sunstone has very special properties. While often used in NE (Nordic) shamanism for its effects on the physical body, in my crystals-for-salvation work in Los Angeles, I have found Sunstone to be radically useful for improving the emotional health of my clients and promoting their positive self-appraisal and self-acceptance, leading to a high possibility of actualization in their endeavors.
References and Further Reading
Simmons, Robert, and Ahsian, Naisha. The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach. North Atlantic Books, 2007.
Hall, Judy. The Crystal Bible: A Definitive Guide to Crystals. Godsfield Press, 2003.
Permutt, Philip. The Complete Guide to Crystal Chakra Healing. CICO Books, 2009.
Raven, Hazel. Angel Bible: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Angels. Sterling Publishing, 2008.
Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic. Llewellyn Publications, 2002.
Pellant, Chris. Eyewitness: Crystal & Gem. DK Children, 2004.
Ashworth, Sue, and Lilly, Simon. The Essential Guide to Crystals. Sterling, 2006.
Fisher, Cally. The Energy of Earth’s Treasures. New Age Publications, 2010.
Caution:
For any healthcare-related issues, you should see a qualified professional. The material contained in this article does not purport to offer any healthcare advice, particularly for the diagnosis or treatment of medical problems.