ASTROPHYLLITE

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Mineralogists recognized astrophyllite, which was first known as “brown mica,” in 1854.  The “astrophyllite,” which was assigned later, stems from three Greek words: astron or “star,” phyllon meaning “leaf” or “sheet,” and lithos meaning “stone,” and alludes to its starburst-shaped, radiating patterns of thin, leaf-like crystals.  Collecting localities are found in Russia, Norway, Brazil, Pakistan, Canada, and the United States (Arkansas, Maine, Wisconsin).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: Astrophyllite [basic potassium sodium iron manganese titanium oxysilicate, (K,Na)₃(Fe,Mn)₇Ti₂O₈O₂₄(O,OH)], pronounced as-TROH-fih-lite, is a rare phyllosilicate or sheet silicate that crystallizes in the triclinic system as small, thin, bladed, yellow or yellowish-brown crystals in radiating, starburst-shaped aggregates.  It has a Mohs hardness of 3.0-3.5, a submetallic luster, perfect cleavage in one direction, and a specific gravity of 3.3-3.4.  Astrophyllite is a rare mineral that occurs in cavities, fissures, and pegmatites of syenite, nepheline syenite, and other feldspar-rich, silica-poor igneous rocks.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: According to modern metaphysical belief, astrophyllite enhances confidence, intellect, and insight, while assisting one to reach their full potential by creating an awareness of limitations and obstacles that can be overcome.  Astrophyllite has no technological uses.

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Astrophyllite is collected for its rarity, unusual and complex chemical composition, and distinctive, radiating, starburst-shaped patterns that make interesting specimens.