Astrophyllite

Astrophyllite is a very rare, brown to golden yellow hydrous potassium iron titanium silicate mineral. The name comes from the Greek words astron meaning "star" and phyllon meaning "leaf." Dark shiny needles of astrophyllite contrast sharply with the light colored matrix the mineral is regularly found within. Astrophyllite is usually opaque to translucent, but may be transparent in thin specimens. The mineral is mostly interesting for scientists and collectors, though sometimes it is also used in jewelry where it is fashioned into cabochons. Astrophyllite was first discovered in 1854 at its type locality; Laven Island, Norway. It is found in a few scarce, remote localities: Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada; Pikes Peak, Colorado, USA; Narsarsuk and Kangerdluarsuk, Greenland; Brevig, Norway; and the Kola Peninsula, Russia. Metaphysical properties of this stone include the ability to enhance confidence, intellect, insight, and recovery and to bring to life hidden forces.