Astrophyllite

Astrophyllite is a rare mineral which forms in bladed star shapes. The crystals are typically left in matrix, and the whole matrix is polished or sold rough.

As it is quite rare, quality specimens are incredibly prized by collectors.

Showing the single result

Appearance, Uses and History

Astrophyllite is a fairly rare mineral, which is usually left ‘on matrix’, in its original host rock.

Pieces on the matrix are sold either in their rough, or sold polished. As far as I can tell it is exclusively used as mineral specimens and jewellery – it is uncommon and relatively expensive, and of interest largely to scientists and collectors.

 


Locales

Astrophyllite is found in Canada, Norway, Russia, and the USA.


Mineralogy

Chemistry
K2NaFe2+7Ti2Si8O26(OH)4F
Colours and Variations
Golden brown to yellow
Streak
Yellow brown, white.
Luster
Greasy, pearly, sub-metallic
Fracture
Uneven
Crystal habit
Tabular, radiating, or bladed crystals, or masses.
Mohs hardness
3.0 – 4.0
Specific Gravity
3.2 – 3.4
Easiest testing method
Examination and scratch test ought to be diagnostic.
Common Treatments

Photos of Astrophyllite

Astrophyllite, Aegirine-217860
Astrophyllite, Nenadkevichite subgroup-184501
Астрофиллит 2

Astrophyllite-Quartz-rhqtz-71a
Astrophyllite-Zircon-255052
Astrophyllite-Quartz-rhqtz-71b

Hazards and Warnings

Almost all rocks, minerals (and, frankly, almost all other substances on earth) can produce toxic dust when cutting, which can cause serious respiratory conditions including silicosis.

When cutting or polishing rocks, minerals, shells, etc, all work should be done wet to minimise the dust, and a suitable respirator or extraction system should be used.


Translations

Arabic:

Hindi:

Portuguese:

  • astrofilita

Bengali:

Indonesian:

Punjabi:

English:

Italian:

  • astrofillite

Russian:

  • Астрофиллит

French:

Japanese:

  • アストロフィライト

Spanish:

  • Aastrophyllita
  • Asterophyllita
  • Astrophyllita
  • astrofilita

German:

  • Astrophyllit
  • Aastrophyllit
  • Asterophyllit
  • Astrophengit

Korean:

  • 아스트로 필 라이트

Thai:

Gujurati:

Mandarin and Traditional Chinese:

  • 星葉石
  • 星叶石

Urdu:


Further Reading / External Links