Legend has it that the fierce Viking warriors, known as expert seafarers, used sunstone to help navigate the oceans around them. Even when the sky was covered with clouds, this mystical stone could pinpoint the location of the sun, glowing when it caught the elusive rays. Its secret is much more earthly in origin. As molten lava cools, tiny metallic platelets—hematite, goethite, pyrite, or in very rare circumstances, copper—are trapped within the crystals. The result is a stone that glitters as though it possesses a fire within, even in dim light.
Ancient societies believed sunstone was actually pieces of the sun fallen to the earth in a solar eclipse. They used its powers to bring physical energy, passion, courage, and joy to the beholder. Especially useful in times of stress or ill health, sunstone can increase one’s vitality and bring a sense focus. Those who possess a sunstone may find that, much like the stone itself, they glow from the personal power, freedom, and expanded consciousness within themselves.