Astrophyllite is a fairly beautiful and very rare mineral from the silicate class, which is found in igneous rocks. Magnificent carvings, souvenirs and amulets are made from it. In our article, we will talk about the main properties of this mineral, its origin and main deposits.
General information about the stone
Astrophyllite is a semi-precious mineral from the group of “brittle micas”. Its internal structure contains a large number of various impurities. Among them are titanic acid, barium, sodium, manganese, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, zirconium and other chemical elements. The term astrophillite was coined by the German chemist Theodor Scheierer. He was the first to describe this mineral back in 1854.
The name of the stone comes from the Greek word "aster", which translates as "star". The mineral astrophyllite is most often present in pegmatites and syenites. In these rocks, it tends to form elongated crystals and complex fibrous "star" shaped aggregates (hence the name).
BDepending on the color and nature of the pattern of the stone, there are several varieties of it. The most common of them have the following names:
- Golden rain.
- "Palm".
- Star of Lapland.
Basic properties of astrophyllite
The main feature of the stone is its "star". Almost all specimens are star-shaped. In this case, the number of rays can vary from three to twelve. Sometimes the plates of the mineral converge to one center, resembling chrysanthemum petals with their amazing pattern.
Let's list the main physical and chemical properties of this stone:
- Singony: triclinic.
- Cleavage: very perfect.
- Kink: conchoidal, uneven.
- Hardness (Mohs scale): 2 to 3 points.
- Gensity: 3, 2-3, 4g/cm3.
- Transparency: translucent (thin edges).
- Gloss: matte, glassy; in the sun - amber-resinous.
- Line color: brownish or yellow.
- Chemical formula: (K, Na)3(Fe, Mn)7Ti2 [Si4O12]2(O, OH, F) 7.
Astrophyllite stone can have different colors. But most often it varies from brownish-brown to bronze-orange, often with a characteristic golden tint.
Origin and distribution in nature
Astrophyllite stone has a magmatic origin. It is most often found in alkaline pegmatites and nephelinesyenites. At the same time, the following minerals often coexist with it in rocks: zircon, titanite, biotite, aegirine, feldspar. Occasionally, astrophyllites are found in quartz or white albites. Such specimens are most valuable for geologists and collectors.
In the fairy tales of the Scandinavian writer Tove Marika Jansson, a bright star is described that fell into the fiord and split into millions of small shiny pieces. The fantasy of the famous storyteller in this case was based on facts: astrophyllite was first discovered on the Scandinavian Peninsula, on the territory of Norway.
Main stone deposits
Astrophyllite is a fairly rare mineral. Today it is mined only in a few parts of the world. These are: the Scandinavian Peninsula, Greenland and the USA. In addition, astrophyllite deposits were also found in South Africa, Pakistan, Central Asia, Egypt, Madagascar and Russia (in Yakutia and the Khabarovsk Territory). Together with astrophyllite, zircon and aegirine are often extracted from the earth's interior along the way.
But the most beautiful and largest specimens of this mineral are mined in one place - the Khibiny Mountains. Astrophyllites of perfectly regular geometric shape are found here, the sizes of individual samples reach 15 centimeters in diameter.
Where are the Khibiny? This small mountain range is located in the central part of the Kola Peninsula, on the territory of the Russian Federation. The age of this mountain system is estimated by scientists at 300 million years. The maximum height is 1200 meters above sea level. Within the Khibiny massif, geologists have discovered at least 500 different minerals. Every fifth of them is not found anywhere else on Earth. Astrophyllites are mined on the slopes of the local mountain Eveslogchorr.
Use of stone
Astrophyllite is a wonderful jewelry and ornamental stone. It is widely used in three fields, these are:
- Manufacture of jewelry and souvenirs.
- Production of small interior items.
- Decoration of rooms, walls and furniture.
Due to its low hardness and its unusual structure, atsrophyllite is excellent for machining and looks good in almost any cut - round and angular, flat or bulky. All kinds of interior items and home accessories (caskets, candlesticks, countertops, figurines) are made of stone, as well as beautiful jewelry - earrings, cufflinks, brooches, pendants, pendants and amulets. In addition, astrophyllite is used in interior decoration. The stone can be found in the decor of tiles, mosaics, wall panels and stained glass windows.
Mineral combines several colors and shades at once, and therefore is ideal for a number of different outfits - from formal office to festive weekends. It is worth noting that astrophyllite looks especially elegant on a white background.
Healing and magical properties of the mineral
The healing properties of astrophyllite have not yet been fully studied. However, lithotherapists are sure that this stone has a beneficial effect on the nervous and reproductive systems.person. In particular, the mineral is able to get rid of impotence and frigidity, as well as cleanse the body of toxins and toxins. Therefore, it is recommended to be worn by people suffering from overweight. According to some experts in stone treatment, astrophyllite also helps to get rid of stress and depression, normalizes sleep and neutralizes the effects of harmful electromagnetic radiation.
Esotericists, in turn, argue that astrophyllite gives a person confidence in their own strengths and abilities. In addition, it significantly improves mood and helps clear the mind. Of all the signs of the zodiac, the atsrophyllite stone favors Virgo and Capricorn the most.
An important feature of astrophyllite is its "positivity" to the touch of hands. The stone likes to be handled by hand, it makes excellent contact with the exposed skin of the human body. But next to other neighboring stones, astrophyllite does not get along well. Therefore, in jewelry, it should be worn in the "solo" mode. Neighborhood is allowed only with quartz and earthen jasper.
