Apophyllite

A collection of high-quality Mirror Apophyllite, Green Apophyllite and other beautiful specimens.

Apophyllite is a hydrated potassium calcium silicate mineral with the name 'Apophyllite' being derived from the Greek words 'apo' (away from) and 'phyllos' (leaf), referring to the way Apophyllite flakes when heated.  Apophyllite is located throughout the world in pockets of volcanic and basalt areas. 

Commonly found Apophyllite are white/cream/cloudy, however it can also be found in a variety of other colours (listed below).  The rarest and most uncommon Apophyllite are 'Mirror', Green and 'Red Cloud'.

Apophyllite possess a luster that is vitreous to pearly, providing a shiny or reflective appearance.  Some Apophyllite fluoresces green, blue or white depending on the impurities.  Different colours are due to the presence of impurities within the crystal lattice:

Clear:  The most common for aesthetic appeal, allows light to pass through however has impurities that prevents it acting as a mirror off the cleavage.

Transparent 'Mirror' Apophyllite:  Allows the light to pass through with little or no obstruction and possessing a distinct cleavage which, due to the optical nature of the crystal, acts as a mirror. Highly valued for their clarity.

White: A cloudy/milky appearance due to microscopic inclusions or structural imperfections.

Green: Contains trace amounts of copper and is valued based on intensity of colour.

Yellow: Inclusions of iron, giving it a pale rusty yellow tone and not as common.

Pink: Relatively rare, it's delicate colouring is created by the inclusion of Manganese.  Pink Apophyllite is uncommon and highly prized.

Red/Red Cloud: Inclusions of Hematite provide a bright to deep red colouring.  This can be through the entire specimen, or as a 'cloud' or 'phantom' which is the more unusual and sought after form.

Brown: The less sought after of all, the brown colour is caused by the inclusions of iron oxides and other earth impurities.