Sunstone Tumbled Stones (Aventurine Feldspar)
Grade B sunstone tumbled stones from India. A delicately coloured mineral also known as aventurine feldspar. The name heliolite from the Ancient Greek words 'hḗlios' (sun) and 'líthos' (stone) is another name but not one we're familiar with. This feldspar mineral has a spangled appearance although the characteristic tends to be more prominent in finer grade material. Sunstone is one of the few gemstones that's never enhanced.
The reddish orange colour is caused by minute inclusions of the minerals goethite or hematite. Occasionally it can also be caused by copper. These inclusions also cause the optical phenomenon known as aventurescence. Once again this is mostly visible in finer grade stones.
Man-made goldstone is often used to replicate sunstone and although it's usually quite easy to tell one from the other, some stones can look quite similar. With that said, realistically it's still not difficult to tell natural sunstone from goldstone.
Oregon in the USA produces fine gem-grade stones which are highly sought after. The material known for its large crystals often included with copper, can cause a variation in the stone's colour. Stones can also display an intense spangled effect that's further enhanced after being faceted. Known as the schiller effect, this optical phenomenon is caused as light reflects off minute specs of copper within the stone.
Although polished, these grade B sunstone crystals have a slightly rougher texture. We also have grade A crystals in our collection.
In crystal healing sunstone is used to help those who suffer with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Carrying the energy of the sun, this crystal is said to help alleviate depression, boost low mood and encourage optimism.
Our sunstone tumbled stones are classed as a medium sized stone. Weights and sizes do vary slightly from piece to piece.
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