Sunstone

Sunstone is a type of Feldspar mineral known for a shimmering effect caused by copper or hematite inclusions that create flashes of metallic color. Found in many places such as Oregon, India, and Russia, it ranges in color from clear to red, orange, and green. It is often used in jewelry.  

Oregon Sunstone is a specific variety of Sunstone found in (you guessed it!) Oregon, known for its natural, untreated status and color range from peach to pink and green.  

The sunstone is mentioned in several 13th–14th-century written sources in Iceland, one of which describes its use to locate the sun in a completely overcast sky (you may have also seen this in the popular TV show Vikings). 

Though not confirmed, it is a popular theory that the sunstone had polarizing attributes and was used as a navigational instrument by seafarers in the Viking Age.  In 2002 there was also a Sunstone found near Alderney in the wreck of a 16th-century warship.  This may also contribute to the evidence of the existence of sunstones as navigational devices.  

Sunstones are also mentioned in the inventories of several churches and one monastery in 14th–15th-century Iceland and Germany.

Sunstone has a Mohs Hardness of 6 - 6.5

Fake sunstone is often overly sparkly, like glitter, whereas genuine sunstone has a more natural, subtle shimmer. Also, though it is not recommended, it is possible to perform a “scratch test” by attempting to lightly scratch the surface of the material with a steel knife or key.  The genuine material should be hard enough to be unaffected by this test.  

Note: It is best to avoid storing this material in direct sunlight as prolonged exposure can lead to fading color over time.  

Also Note: if lost at sea, do not depend on your Sunstone rosary as a navigational device.  For better results it is recommended that you try praying instead!