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This precious gem is a form of Oligoclase feldspar which is itself a variety of plagioclase feldspar. The Sunstone gem displays different kinds of colors due to inclusions. The plagioclase feldspar is a combination of albite (sodium aluminium silicate) and anorthite (calcium aluminium silicate).
This precious Sunstone varies from golden color to a reddish brown hue. Presence of inclusions like small plates of hematite or goethite makes the color of this stone green. The hardness of this stone is 6 to 6.5 on Mohs scale. The crystal structure of the stone is triclinic and the refractive index ranges from 1.54 to 1.55. The optical character of this stone is biaxial with the positive optic sign.
Sunstone is also known as “Heliote” which is Oregon’s State gem. The term heliote has come from the Greek word “helios” and “lithos” meaning “sun and “stone”. The red variety of this gem is very rare and therefore the prices are very high. The gem is metallic in nature and is found in many colors like red, orange and green. Due to the presence of hematite reflection of light occurs and this reason for calling it “Sunstone”.
The Sunstone gem is created when molten lava comes up on the surface and breaks down into small crystals. Due to the presence of Copper in the stone this beautiful gem is available in different colors. In earlier times, Sunstone was used as an instrument for guidance during navigation by the Vikings. Nowadays, this is extremely used for spreading positive energies during times of stress.
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