Since ancient times sunstones were used by Native Americans of the Northwest for Medicine Wheel ceremonies where it helped to establish a connection with the healing light of the sun. They were also used for barter and have been found in sacred bundles and burial sites as far East as the Mississippi River and as far North as central Alaska.  Sunstones were thought by the Vikings to be a talisman for navigation.

New age thought links sunstone to protective energy. It is also said to lend extra physical energy in times of stress or ill health. Others claim that sunstone can assist contemplative processes and bolster the energy level.

CHEMISTRY:  A calcium rich species of plagioclase feldspar, sometimes with copper or hematite inclusions and traces of iron; 32% Albite, 68% Anorthite
CRYSTALLOGRAPHY:  Monoclinic
REFRACTIVE INDEX:  1.560 - 1.572
HARDNESS:  6 - 6.5
SPECIFIC GRAVITY:  2.69 - 2.72
CLEAVAGE:  Perfect two directions.
HEAT SENSITIVE:  No

Properties of Sunstone: