Sunstone
Name Origin: Sunstone comes from the Greek “helios” for sun and “lithos” for stone.
Historical significance/folklore: Believed to be a piece of the sun, sunstone was prized by ancient magicians, who used it to attract the strength of the sun and it's associated power and wealth. It is commonly associated with the Phoenix that appeared at the first sunrise. An ancient gem, Sunstone has allegedly been discovered in Viking burial mounds. Among the Vikings, Sunstone was thought to aid navigation both in reality and during one's journey to Valhalla and the afterlife. Pope Clement VII (1478 - 1534) was reputed to have in his possession a Sunstone with a golden spot that moved across the surface in accordance with the apparent motion of the sun from sunrise to sunset.
Native Americans in Oregon used Sunstone for trade and barter. Oregon Sunstone was declared the official gemstone of the State of Oregon in 1987. Sunstone is claimed by some sources to have been used by Tibetans in medicine rituals to help spirit guides access the healing power of the Sun. When contact with the spirit guides was successful, the gem was said to glow a bright gold.
Gemstone properties: Sunstone has a very positive effect on one's psyche; it promotes good humor, cheerfulness and an even temper. It may provide the necessary stamina and energy to undertake projects and tasks that one may find daunting. It offers self-confidence and helps its wearer to discover her own nature and live accordingly. It assists its wearer in maintaining a positive attitude towards her own life and to use inherent strengths while still allowing the sunny side of the personality raise to the forefront.
Healing properties: Stimulates the vegetative, autonomic nervous system and enhances the harmonious functioning of all the body's organs. Helps with sleep, sore throats and relieves the pain of stomach ulcers. It is quite successful on Seasonal Affective Disorder (or SAD), it is also known to relieve cartilage problems, rheumatism.
