This bright, surface-polished Sunstone from India is a gem variety of Feldspar & a cousin of Labradorite. Feldspar is a family of silicates that makes up about 60% of the Earth's crust. Sunstone is known for its iridescent reflections or "flash" when it catches the light due to hematite platelet inclusions. This 'aventurescence' is caused when the inclusions produce sparkling reflections.
According to ancient lapidaries, texts which describe gemstones and their powers, the earliest known Sunstones hailed from India. In its native country, Sunstone was linked to Surya, the sun god, and was believed to protect its carrier from the dark forces of the spiritual realm. Surya rides his sun chariot pulled by seven horses, with each horse representing the seven colors of visible light and the seven colors of the chakra. In ancient Greece, the gem represented the sun gods Apollo and/or Helios and was believe to bring good fortune to anyone who carried a piece in their pocket.
A stone of leadership, encouraging those who possess it to be open & benevolent, willing to bestow blessings upon those they come in contact with. It is also known as a stone of joy, inspiring one's good nature & a life of enjoyment in all things.
