KCa₄Si₈O₂₀(F,OH)·8H₂O
Apophyllite
A zeolite-looking sheet silicate, 4.5 to 5 on Mohs, too ready to cleave for a careless setting.
- Formula
- KCa₄Si₈O₂₀(F,OH)·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5–5
- Crystal system
- tetragonal
- Colour
- white, green
- Element
- aether
- Chakra (tradition)
- crown
- Zodiac
- Pisces, Gemini
- Month
- —
- Where the earth keeps it
- India
What it actually is
Apophyllite is KCa₄Si₈O₂₀(F,OH)·8H₂O before it is a story. The lattice is tetragonal, Mohs 4.5–5, and the eye meets white, green.
The better pieces still come out of the ground in India. A zeolite-looking sheet silicate, 4.5 to 5 on Mohs, too ready to cleave for a careless setting.
What the old tradition whispers
The parlour tradition ties Apophyllite to aether and to the crown centre. The old site stood it near: Pisces, Gemini.
How not to turn it to ash
Softer than a steel knife. No ultrasonic bath, no acid, no sudden heat. Dust wants a dry cloth.
