Sheila's Personal Experience with Astrophyllite
When I first laid my eyes on this radiant stone, I was immediately drawn to the shiny star formation. Growing in pure white rock, the Astrophyllite was definitely the star of the show.
I have only come up on a few pieces of the raw Astrophyllite in my jewelry making career here at Satin Crystals. The raw pieces with good "star" formations have been made into one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces.
We accidentally learned about the even more rare Arfvedstonite gemstone thanks to a vendor at a Gem Fair who had marked his worry stones as Astrophyllite. Knowing that Astrophyllite has a golden flash, I was skeptical and did my research. What I found was that Arfvedsonite is similar to Astrophyllite but has a blue flash. It is commonly mistaken for Astrophyllite in the uneducated gem trade.
What is Astrophyllite Stone?
Astrophyllite is a rare stone with a golden yellow flash. The stone got its name from a Greek term meaning Star Leaf, as the flash is reminiscent of this phenomena. It has a shiny starburst pattern made out of thin sheets thanks to minerals radiating out from a single point.
Astrophyllite is most commonly a golden color, but it can also be found in green, white, black, gray and orange.
Astrophyllite is composed of up to five different metals and forms in igneous rocks. It is both heavy and fragile.
Where is Astrophyllite Found?
Astrophyllite has been found in only a few locations and is therefore not as readily available as some other stones. Some remote areas you can find this gemstone are in Canada, Greenland, Norway, Russia and the USA.
Astrophyllite must grow in a host rock. When the conditions are just right, this spiny crystal will grace us with its presence. This makes it both rare and hard to mine without damage.
Metaphysical Healing Properties of Astrophyllite
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Astrophyllite is a stone of light, filling you with white light. Great for lightworkers who are focused solely on bringing positive energies to the Earth.
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It is a stone of self-knowledge, realizing and accepting who you are in this life.
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Astrophyllite aids in astral travel and connecting with the higher realms.
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Astrophyllite helps you focus on filling your life with light by removing dark and unwanted energies, one by one.
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It is a calming stone, providing a steadfast and patient energy.
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Astrophyllite corresponds with the Crown Chakra in your spiritual endeavors and Root Chakra to keep you balanced on Earth.
Crystals Similar to Astrophyllite
Depending on the season, we may or may not have this gemstone available in the Astrophyllite Collection. Because it is not an easy crystal to get a hold of, we have some suggestions for similar stones in appearance and healing energies:
Tiger's Eye - If you are looking for a similar aesthetic appeal to Astrophyllite, try Golden Tiger's Eye. You will find the same type of iridescent gold flashes in a golden brown background.
Howlite - If you are seeking a stone to get you on the right path in this life and connecting you to your Higher self, try Howlite. This snow white stone shows unique gray veins and will keep you spiritually aligned.
Angelite - If you are wanting that calming, patient energy of Astrophyllite, try Angelite. This soothing stone is also great in connecting with the higher realms and assisting you in astral travels.
Astrophyllite Mineral Facts
Astrophyllite is only a 3 to 3.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, but it is usually embedded in another rock that may be harder.
Surface Color: Golden Yellow, Brown, Bronze (rarely other colors)
Streak Color (can vary from surface color, this is the color of the crystals’ powdered minerals): Yellowish Brown or White
Group: Inosilicates, Astrophyllite Group
Cleavage (where the crystal breaks off naturally to form a new face, parallel to its structure. This is a clean break and can cleave over and over again along the same face, retaining the crystals structure): Perfect to Imperfect
Fracture: Uneven
Luster: Greasy, Pearly, Sub-metallic
Transparency: Translucent (allows light through the crystal but not fully transparent) to Opaque (no light goes through)
Crystal System: Triclinic
Crystal Habit: Tabular to Bladed, Radiating
Shop for Real Astrophyllite
This unusual stone is hard to find and items may go in and out of our store frequently. Please check back often. The featured piece is:
Do you have Experience with Astrophyllite?
Have you had the privelege of working with this rare gemstone? Have you tried any of the Astrophyllite alternatives? We would love to hear your stories.
You can email us directly or reach out in the Contact box and either Lisa or Sheila will reply to you soon.
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