(Ca,Na)(Al,Si)₄O₈
Sunstone
Oregon sunstone glitters with copper platelets; the Norwegian classic used hematite in oligoclase.
- Formula
- (Ca,Na)(Al,Si)₄O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 6–6.5
- Crystal system
- triclinic
- Colour
- yellow, red
- Element
- fire
- Chakra (tradition)
- solar plexus
- Zodiac
- Leo, Libra
- Month
- —
- Where the earth keeps it
- United States, Norway, India
What it actually is
Sunstone is (Ca,Na)(Al,Si)₄O₈ before it is a story. The lattice is triclinic, Mohs 6–6.5, and the eye meets yellow, red.
The better pieces still come out of the ground in United States, Norway, India. Oregon sunstone glitters with copper platelets; the Norwegian classic used hematite in oligoclase.
What the old tradition whispers
The parlour tradition ties Sunstone to fire and to the solar plexus centre. The old site stood it near: Leo, Libra.
How not to turn it to ash
A hard stone survives a daily ring, yet two diamonds in one box will scratch each other. Warm water and a soft cloth are enough.