1. Sunstone (Feldspar): This is a type of gemstone, a variety of feldspar that exhibits a shimmering, iridescent effect called aventurescence. This effect is caused by tiny, flat platelets of hematite or goethite embedded within the feldspar.
Purpose of Sunstone (Feldspar):
* Jewelry: Sunstone is a popular gemstone for jewelry due to its beauty and affordability. It's often used in earrings, rings, pendants, and bracelets.
* Ornamental purposes: Sunstone can be used for decorative objects like paperweights, sculptures, and carvings.
2. Sunstone (Viking Navigation): In this context, "sunstone" refers to a hypothetical crystal used by Vikings for navigation. While there is no definitive proof that Vikings actually used sunstones, some scientists believe they may have used a type of calcite crystal to determine the position of the sun even when it was obscured by clouds.
Purpose of Sunstone (Viking Navigation):
* Navigation: If it existed, the "sunstone" would have been used to determine the position of the sun even on cloudy days, allowing Vikings to navigate across the vast seas.
It's important to distinguish between these two meanings of "sunstone" when asking about its purpose. If you're interested in the gemstone, its purpose is primarily aesthetic and ornamental. If you're interested in the Viking navigation device, its purpose would have been practical for seafaring.