Geology / History
Apophyllites are popular as collector's minerals. This popularity is due to a combination of factors, including their abundance, colour variety & beautiful well-defined crystals. They refract light in obvious rainbows & can form natural pyramids.
The name Apophyllite refers to a specific group of phyllosilicates, a class of minerals. Originally the group name referred to a specific mineral but was redefined in 1978 to stand for a class of minerals of similar chemical makeup that comprise a solid solution series & includes the members; Apophyllite-(KF), Apophyllite-(KOH) & Apophyllite-(NaF).
The name Apophyllite is derived from the Greek ἀπόΦυλλίςο apophylliso, meaning "it flakes off", a reference to this class's tendency to flake apart when heated, due to water loss. These minerals are typically found as secondary minerals in vesicles in basalt or other volcanic rocks. Though relatively unfamiliar to the general public
Apophyllites are fairly prevalent around the world, with specimens coming from some of the world's most well-known mineral localities. These localities include: Poona, India, the Harz Mountains of Germany, Mont Saint-Hilaire in Canada, Kongsberg, Norway, with other locations in Scotland, Ireland, Brazil, Japan & throughout the United States.
Metaphysical Properties
The stone of truth is the perfect Reiki Stone facilitating great healing & protecting the healer.
Excellent for stimulating metaphysical abilities, its high water contact makes it a powerful vibrational transmitter & very efficient energy conductor. Raises life energy & unblocks the heart chakra. Reduces stress, releases mental blocks, negative thought patterns & suppressed emotions. Absorbs & transmits universal energy & Kundalini life force. Carries the Akashic Records & powerful light pillars. Pyramids connect strongly to ancient gods, goddesses & past life's.
Crystal Healing
Eyes, anxiety, menopause & headaches. Bones & Spine
Mineralogy
Group: Phyllosilicates
Crystal System: Tetragonal; (Apophyllite-(NaF) is orthorhombic)
Composition: (K,Na)Ca4Si8O20(F,OH)·8H2O
Form/Habit: Prismatic, tabular, massive
Hardness: 4.5 - 5
Cleavage: Perfect
Fracture: Uneven
Lustre: Vitreous; pearly
Streak: White
Specific Gravity: 2.3 – 2.4
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
R.I: 1.536
Colour: Usually white, colourless; also blue, green, brown, yellow, pink, violet
Pleochroism: Dichroic (colourless)