Astrophillite Gemstone Information

The prices, uses and value of Astrophillite can differ greatly, depending on the size and quality of the  individual gemstone.  AJS Gems is your source for the highest quality colored gems from across the globe, available at Bangkok direct wholesale prices.  Your gorgeous gemstone from AJS Gems is guaranteed to impress when set into any jewelry, be it a bold mans ring, a dainty ladies ring, a pendant necklace or earrings sold as a matched set.  Our loose gemstones are used to create the finest gem stone jewelry - You will positively love setting your loose cut gems into yellow gold, white gold, silver or platinum jewelry.  Discover the thrill of creating that unique top quality Astrophillite ring, Astrophillite earrings set, Astrophillite pendant,  wedding set, or that special Astrophillite bracelet necklace set to be given as a gift to the love of your life.  Creating the finest jewelry starts with finding the best gemstones, and the best gemstones are found at AJS Gems.

Why Buy Loose Gemstones Instead of Pre-Set Jewelry?
 
There are many reasons, but basically it boils down to value and choice.

When buying your Astrophillite gemstone loose instead of a pre-set stone, you can be sure you are getting the best value for your money.  Loose gemstones are less expensive, a better value, and you can really see what you are paying for.  The most important part of getting the right price and finding the best value is to first see what you're getting.  A jewelry setting will hide the inclusions inside a gem, and can deepen or brighten its color.  With a loose stone you can much more easily inspect the gem and see it for what it really is.  In this way you can get a better idea of its true worth and be sure you are paying a fair price.

The second advantage of buying a loose gemstone is choice.  You are free to pick the exact color, cut, shape and variety of the stone for the setting of your dreams, be it yellow gold, white gold, platinum or silver; prong set or bezel set with diamond accents.  You can experience the joy of creating your very own, one-of-a-kind jewelry design. Choose from a variety of jewelry settings and styles to create a completely original presentation that will perfectly suit your individual gemstone and will be as unique as you are!

Heavy, soft and fragile, astrophyllite typically forms as bladed, radiating stellate aggregates. It is this crystal habit that gives astrophillite its name; from the Greek words astron meaning "star" and phyllon meaning "leaf." Its high, submetallic lustre and dark colour contrast sharply with the light coloured (felsic) matrix the mineral is regularly found within. Astrophyllite is usually opaque to translucent, but may be transparent in thin specimens.

Astrophillite rates a low 3 - 3.5 on the mohs scale of hardness and thus it is recommended for jewelry such as pendants and earrings.  Astrophillite has a spot refractive index of 1.67-1.75.  The refractive index (RI), measured using a refractometer, is an indication of the amount light rays are bent by a mineral.  Birefringence is the difference between the minimum and maximum RI. When birefringence is high, light rays reflect off different parts of the back of a stone causing an apparent doubling of the back facets when viewed through the front facet.

Most gems have a crystalline structure. Crystals have planes of symmetry and are divided into seven symmetry systems. The number of axes, their length, and their angle to each other determine the system to which a crystal belongs.  Astrophillite gemstones crystallize in the triclinic crystal system, the least symmetrical of the crystal systems.  Crystal habits include small tabular or bladed crystals often grouped in starlike aggregates with perfect cleavage. Also found in lamellar massives.

Color

              

The color of Astrophillite is usually golden yellow or yellowish brown, but also greenish brown, white, black, gray, yellow, and orange yellow specimens can be found.  Often a mix of colors are found in a single gemstone, due to the variety of minerals in Astrophillite.

Astrophillite is named from the greek words "aster" (star) and "filon" (leaf).

Astrophyllite is a wonderful crystal, said to be tranquil and honest. It is believed to connect the physical and spiritual, enhancing healing work.

Astrophyllite assists in absolving one from responsibility and in purging that which should be eliminated from your life to allow further development and progression.

This stone is said to enhance confidence, intellect, insight, and recovery.