Sunstone Meaning: Properties, Benefits & the Viking Sunstone

Sunstone is a warm, glittering feldspar known as the "stone of joy". Its meaning is optimism, confidence and personal power: it is said to bring the energy of the sun into your life, lift your mood and help you shine as yourself. Its sparkle comes from tiny flecks of metal inside the stone. It is linked with the sacral and solar plexus chakras and with Leo and Libra, and it is the perfect partner for moonstone.

With its orange, peach and red sparkle, sunstone looks like a little piece of sunset you can hold. In this guide we'll look at what sunstone is, the story of the Viking sunstone, its meaning and properties, and how to wear and care for it.

Sunstone at a Glance

What Is Sunstone?

Sunstone is a type of feldspar, one of the most common mineral groups on Earth. What makes it special is the sparkle: tiny, flat crystals of hematite or copper are trapped inside the stone and catch the light as you turn it. This glittering effect is called aventurescence, the same effect you see in aventurine.

Some of the most beautiful sunstone comes from Oregon, where it was named the state gem in 1987. Oregon sunstone contains copper rather than hematite, which gives it clear, gem quality colours from champagne to deep red, and sometimes green. Rainbow lattice sunstone, a rarer type, shows a criss cross pattern of shimmering colour.

The Viking Sunstone

Old Norse sagas tell of a "sunstone" that Viking sailors used to find the sun on cloudy days, helping them navigate across the North Atlantic. Many researchers believe this was not the sunstone we wear today but a clear crystal called Iceland spar, a type of calcite that splits light in a way that can reveal the sun's position through cloud. Either way, sunstone has carried a sense of light, direction and adventure ever since.

Sunstone Meaning

Sunstone is the stone of joy. Just like the sun, it is said to bring warmth, light and energy, chase away gloomy moods and help you feel good about yourself. It is a stone of leadership and personal power, encouraging you to be independent, confident and true to who you are.

Sunstone Spiritual Meaning

Spiritually, sunstone is linked with the sun, abundance and vitality. It is often paired with moonstone to balance the energy of the sun and the moon, and it is a favourite for summer solstice rituals and celebrating new beginnings.

Sunstone Properties and Benefits

• Joy: known for lifting your mood and bringing a little sunshine into dull days.
• Confidence: encourages you to believe in yourself and speak up.
• Leadership: a stone of independence and personal power.
• Motivation: its warm energy is said to spark enthusiasm and get you moving.
• Abundance: traditionally linked with good luck and prosperity.
• Creativity: lovely for artists and anyone starting something new.

Sunstone and the Zodiac

Sunstone is a natural match for Leo, the sign ruled by the sun, and it is also linked with Libra. Find your own stones in our zodiac guide.

How to Use Sunstone

• Wear it: sunstone jewellery keeps its sunny energy with you all day.
• Start your day with it: hold a piece in the morning light and set an intention for the day.
• Pair it: wear it with moonstone for sun and moon balance, or with carnelian and citrine for extra warmth and confidence.
• Keep it on your desk: a little reminder to shine at work. See our crystals for career success for more ideas.

How to Cleanse and Care for Sunstone

Sunstone is fairly hard, so it is fine in everyday jewellery. Cleanse it with a quick rinse in lukewarm water, then dry it gently, or use sound, smoke or a few minutes of morning sunshine. Avoid harsh cleaners and knocks against harder stones. Read more in our guides to cleansing crystals and charging crystals.

Sunstone FAQs

What does sunstone mean?

Sunstone means joy, optimism and personal power. It is said to bring the warm, bright energy of the sun into your life.

What is sunstone good for?

Sunstone is loved for lifting your mood, building confidence and encouraging leadership and motivation.

What makes sunstone sparkle?

Tiny flat crystals of hematite or copper inside the stone reflect the light. This glittering effect is called aventurescence.

What is Oregon sunstone?

Oregon sunstone is a gem quality sunstone found in Oregon, USA, where it is the state gem. It gets its colour and sparkle from copper.

Was the Viking sunstone real?

Old Norse stories describe a sunstone used to find the sun on cloudy days. Many researchers think it was a clear calcite called Iceland spar rather than the sunstone we wear today.

What chakra is sunstone?

Sunstone is linked with the sacral and solar plexus chakras.

Can sunstone and moonstone be worn together?

Yes. They are a classic pair, balancing the bright energy of the sun with the calm, intuitive energy of the moon.

Explore more: find more sunny stones in our guides to yellow calcite, yellow agate and crystals for confidence. New to crystals? Start with our crystals for beginners guide or discover every stone in our A-Z crystal guide.