The facts
What apophyllite actually is
The species behind apophyllite is fluorapophyllite-(K), KCa₄Si₈O₂₀(F,OH)·8H₂O; it forms in the tetragonal system.
Green from V⁴⁺ in distorted octahedral coordination; colourless and white material is the norm is responsible for the colour — and the chromophore, not the name, is what decides whether a colour is stable.
On the instruments it reads a refractive index of 1.530–1.543 and a specific gravity of about 2.30–2.50, with perfect and easy {001} — the main obstacle to faceting cleavage.
Where apophyllite comes from
Commercial material comes from Jalgaon and Pune (Poona), Maharashtra, India, Wessels Mine, Northern Cape, South Africa and Christmas Mine, Arizona, USA.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
How apophyllite is treated
Untreated. Near-zero birefringence means it can read as singly refractive. Perfect basal cleavage, brittleness and extreme heat sensitivity make it a specimen mineral first and a faceted curiosity second. The Indian trap-rock specimens are among the finest zeolite-suite crystals known.
We state the treatment on every stone, including when the honest answer is that it cannot be determined. A treatment disclosed is a fact; a treatment discovered later is a refund.
What apophyllite is confused with
Watch for Quartz, Danburite, Zeolites generally and Colourless topaz — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.530–1.543 and specific gravity 2.30–2.50 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What apophyllite is used for
The trades that buy apophyllite are mineral collecting, decorative objects and jewellery. They do not want the same thing, and they do not pay in the same unit.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen, by the piece or by the carat.
Durability and care
Hardness 4.5–5; cleavage perfect and easy {001} — the main obstacle to faceting. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What apophyllite costs
Expect roughly Specimen pricing; faceted stones $20–200/ct, depending on quality.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is apophyllite treated, and how?
Untreated. Near-zero birefringence means it can read as singly refractive. Perfect basal cleavage, brittleness and extreme heat sensitivity make it a specimen mineral first and a faceted curiosity second. The Indian trap-rock specimens are among the finest zeolite-suite crystals known.
Where does apophyllite come from?
Jalgaon and Pune (Poona), Maharashtra, India, Wessels Mine, Northern Cape, South Africa and Christmas Mine, Arizona, USA. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is apophyllite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 4.5–5 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does apophyllite cost?
Indicatively Specimen pricing; faceted stones $20–200/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is apophyllite confused with?
Most often Quartz, Danburite, Zeolites generally and Colourless topaz. A refractive index of 1.530–1.543 and a specific gravity near 2.30–2.50 separate it quickly.
What is apophyllite used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting and decorative objects. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for apophyllite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about apophyllite