This is a natural/rough Russian ASTROPHYLLITE crystal specimen. Shown next to a US quarter coin for size comparison. It is a high quality piece with some lovely shimmer and flash that shows up as you move the stone around in your hands. Both sides are equally nice! "Astrophyllite" comes from the Greek words for star ("astron") and leaf ("phyllon"). You can see why it's named after these two words! Flashes of light, like the stars in the night sky, are visible in a complex structure of long, slender, shapes.
Technically, Astrophyllite is the name for a type of metamorphic rock rather than a specific mineral. What is the difference between a "rock" and a "mineral"? Think of a mineral like a piece of plywood, and a rock like a finished bookcase! A rock combines and/or contains different minerals which create a new material, while a mineral can be part of various rocks or found by itself. Most commonly, Astrophyllite combines a base of Anthophyllite and Gedrite with traces of other minerals that determine what colors (or color of flash) may be present.
As this is a natural piece, not polished, a variety of physical textures are present. All formations are 100% natural parts of the stone.
It weighs about 1.5oz / 44 grams / 220 carats and measures about 2 5/16" inches long X 1 1/2" inches wide at the widest point X 5/8" inch thick at the thickest point (varies throughout). Code-082124-8
Astrophyllite is thought to promote self-esteem, self-reliance and a feeling of well-being, no matter what ones lot in life is. It has long been thought to help one's will to align with Divine purpose.
It's often been used to assist in releasing unhealthy emotional reactions and modify behavioral patterns, thus assisting in shedding bad habits. It's also used to support and enhance artistic and creative abilities. The dark blue flashes of color, in particular, are said to enhance communication skills and support one to be more diplomatic.
It has been called a "stargate" stone, and is thought by some to facilitate astral travel.
Astrophyllite is a grounding stone, that is calming and protective.
In Crystal Healing, Astrophyllite has been used to support attention deficit problems in children (ADD), acidosis, intestinal issues, kidneys, parathyroid, stomach and ulcers.
Astrophyllite can be associated with the Crown, Third Eye and Root Chakras. Which chakra it works with at a specific time, will in large part depend on how you intend to work with it.
Native legends speak of crystal skulls as an inheritance from ancient times. Said to “talk and sing” they are believed to carry messages for all mankind, including what may be discovered when we overcome our fear of death.
