Apophyllite

Apophyllite is a colorless crystalline gemstone mineral know for its tendancy to flake off crystals. Thus the name which derives from Greek origin meaning to leaf or exfoliate. We chose Apophyllite as the April Gemstone of the Month to mark its clear white semi-colorless allure of purity in the month commonly assciated with diamond birthstones. Apophyllite is associated with cleanliness and positive energy. The name has evolved to represent a class of minerals with a number of varieties. It is similar to Flourite in hardness, and has nearly perfect cleavage. Apophyyllite crystals are often found with Stilbite.
Chemical Formula (K1Na)Ca4Si8O20(F1OH)*8(H2O)
Color colorless, white, clear, gray, mint green
Hardness 4.5 - 5.0
Crystal System Tetragonal
Refractive Index 1.53Â -Â 1.536
SG 2.3Â -Â 2.4
Transparency transparent to translucent
Double Refraction 0.002
Luster Vitreous to greasy, pearly
Cleavage 1,1
Mineral Class Phyllosilicate