Geology/History
A very rare hydrous potassium iron titanium silicate mineral with limited availability. It was first officially discovered in 1854 at Laven Island in Norway. The name Astrophyllite is derived from the ancient Greek, astron meaning “star” & phyllon meaning “leaf”, a reference to its unusual star like formation. It occurs in cavities or fissures within igneous rock such as nepheline syenites & alkali granites, as well as within other plutonic rocks. It usually forms bladed, radiating stellate aggregates & is generally found upon a light coloured felsic matrix.
Astrophyllite can be classed as either an inosilicate, phyllosilicate or an intermediate between both categories of silicates. It is visually identical to kupletskite & the two can form isomorphous specimens. Astrophyllite is also found with associate minerals such as Quartz, Titanite, Aegerine, Riebeckite, Feldspar, Titanite, Acmite, Mica, Zircon Sphene & NephelineThe few known locations of Astrophyllite are Narsarsuk & Kangerdluarsuk, Greenland; Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada; the Kola Peninsula, Russia; Pikes Peak, Colorado, USA & Brevig, Laven Island Norway.
Metaphysical Properties
A crystal of infinite potential. Astrophyllite unblocks ones inner fire & ignites creative passion. It stimulates creativity promoting lateral thinking with a positive frame of mind. Creation & manifestation abilities greatly increase, as it gets one motivated & moving in the right directing towards success in all ventures. A spiritual rocket, it accelerates the growth of & greatly strengthens all senses. Promoting rapid evolution with enlightenment by Restructuring DNA, purging outdated preconceived notions & intensifying intuition, therefore giving clarity with direction.
Astrophyllite fortifies commitment to the self, the greater good & to love. An excellent relationship supporter for either intimate or business relationships, as it brings compassionate understanding into the union & builds strong, loving or loyal bonds between partners. In intimate relationships it brings fearlessness showing how to embrace & enjoy ones individual sensuality. It increases the expression of love in physical connections & opens one to joyful physical expression.
Astrophyllite teaches one to master the element of fire & the phoenix rebirth energies. It gives understanding to the unending cycles of life & imparts the secrets of graceful manifestation.Excellent for healers, psychics & light workers as it helps to expand, focus & intensify ones light or inner power. It solidifies connection to the higher self & anchors immense light that sustains powerful healing energies.
Impervious to negative energies it holds an all permeating golden energy that surrounds the body fortifying & protecting the auric field. Its golden rays transform all negativity into golden light with an intensely high vibration. A powerful & protective ally when partaking in astral travel, shamanic or past life journeying & soul retrieval. It also activates a deep connection to the Earth, enhancing ones connection to nature, with this comes the gift of stronger communication to plants & animals.
Crystal Healing
Cleans all energy meridians & detoxifies the body. Excellent for all ailments, however particularly good for enhancing brain speed, function & memory. As well as mental or physical trauma & abuse.
Mineralogy
Group: Astrophyllite group - Silicate
Crystal System: Triclinic
Composition: (K,Na)3(Fe++,Mn)7Ti2Si8O24(O,OH)7
Form/Habit: Tabular to bladed, radiating, stellate aggregates; lamellar masses
Hardness: 3-4
Cleavage: Perfect on [001] imperfect on [100]
Fracture: Uneven
Lustre: Greasy, pearly, sub-metallic
Streak: Yellowish brown or white
Specific Gravity: 3.2–3.4
Transparency: Translucent to opaque
R.I: nα = 1.680 nβ = 1.700 nγ = 1.730
Colour: Golden brown to yellow, rarely greenish.
Birefringence: 0.050
Pleochroism: Strong: X= deep red-orange Y= orange-yellow Z= lemon-yellow
Strunz Classification:09.DC.05