sunstone

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a gem variety of feldspar whose reflective inclusions often produce a glittering optical effect called aventurescence

   Coppery flashes moved across the red-gold sunstone as the gem was turned.

2. 2
   noun

   historical: a transparent crystal, possibly calcite such as Iceland spar, said to help locate the sun through cloud by polarizing light

   The navigator held the supposed sunstone toward the overcast sky.

A compound of sun + stone. The gemstone name refers to its warm colour and glittering reflective inclusions. A separate historical use translates Old Norse solsteinn for a crystal reportedly used to find the sun's position in cloudy conditions.

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