Sunstone also called Heliolite, is the State Gem of Oregon, a prime source for this beautiful gem. The name Heliolite has been derived from the Greek 'helios' and 'lithos,' which mean 'sun' and 'stone' ..Sunstone is metallic in appearance and comes in red, orange or green colours. However, cleaner red sunstone is very rare and it commands true gemstone prices. The stone is a composition of oligioclase feldspar which also contains hematite or goethite. The presence of hematite or goethite creates a reflection of light, hence the name sunstone
Sunstone is formed in molten lava and is discharged onto the surface with the help of a volcano. The lava weathers away or is broken. Fine crystals of sunstone are then released. The Oregon sunstone is found with copper in it which is the cause for the range of colours in the stone from water colour to yellow and many shades of green, red and pink .
In the olden days, this stone was used by natives for trade .
It was also believed by the Vikings to be a talisman for navigation. Sunstone is widely connected with human being as defensive energy. It imparts extra energy at times of stress or ill health. It assists contemplative processes and bolsters the energy level. The hardness of the stone is 6.5 - 7.2 on Mohs scale and density 2.62 - 2.65.
