Astrophyllite

Astrophyllite

Astrophyllite crystal meaning and healing properties

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Astrophyllite stone

A very rare, brown to golden-yellow hydrous potassium iron titanium silicate mineral. Belonging to the astrophyllite group, it may be classed either as an inosilicate, phyllosilicate, or an intermediate between the two. It forms an isomorphous series with kupletskite, to which it is visually identical and often intimately associated. The gemstone is of interest primarily to scientists and collectors.

Heavy, soft and fragile, typically forms as bladed, radiating stellate aggregates. It is this crystal habit that gives its name, from the Greek words astron meaning “star” and phyllon meaning “leaf”. Its great submetallic gleam and darkness contrast sharply with the light (felsic) matrix the mineral is regularly found within. The stone is usually opaque to translucent, but may be transparent in thin specimens.

Astrophyllite crystal

As the crystals themselves possess perfect cleavage, they are typically left in situ, the entire aggregate often cut into slabs and polished. Owing to its limited availability and high cost, it is seldom seen in an ornamental capacity. It is sometimes used in jewellery where it is fashioned into cabochons.

Found in cavities and fissures in unusual felsic igneous rocks, it is associated with feldspar, mica, titanite, zircon, nepheline, and aegirine. Common impurities include magnesium, aluminium, calcium, zirconium, niobium, and tantalum. It was first discovered in 1854 at its type locality, Laven Island, Norway. Kupletskite was not known until 1956, over a hundred years later.

It is found in a few scarce, remote localities: Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada, Pikes Peak, Colorado, US, Narsarsuk and Kangerdluarsuk, Greenland, Brevig, Norway, and the Kola Peninsula, Russia.

Optical Properties: Opaque to translucent in thin leaves.
Color: Bronze-yellow to gold-yellow, brown to reddish brown.
Streak: Golden.
Luster: Submetallic, pearly, greasy.
Optical Class: Biaxial (+).

Pleochroism: Strong
X = deep orange-red
Y = orangeyellow
Z = lemon-yellow

Astrophyllite crystal meaning and healing properties

Astrophyllite crystal meaning and healing properties is an energetically potent stone that infuses your entire system with light, and may assist you to recognize your purpose for being here as it illuminates your true self.

Said to have a tranquil, authentic and sincere energy, it is also called the marriage stone as it promotes fidelity, truth and complete honesty between partners in a relationship.

Astrophyllite, from Russia

Natural astrophyllite for sale in our gem shop

We make custom made astrophyllite as engagement rings, necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets, pendants… Please contact us for a quote.