Apophyllite

One of the most interesting crystals in my collection is apophyllite (pronounced: ə - POFF' - ə - līt). Rather than being one discrete mineral, apophyllite is actually a class of three different varieties of mineral crystals with the generic formula https://steemitimages.com/DQmUh991y3ce55pTEJEhpgYTa7W6BgHjC6T4QJ82WxuzUaq/abc-X.png https://steemitimages.com/DQmfPCNCc5cH3vREVXHsvt6GpfjdZQe7Vnqyq6YDsj87GXR/abc-Y.png₄ Si₈O₂₀(https://steemitimages.com/DQmaQKmubRpJbCR6cpHhMG9wFDV3ogG3J6aewAPPsfjoEaF/abc-V.png, https://steemitimages.com/DQmRQ3faUXBWyiewcVUVv1UqCV5LJeYidB4f4a3kuuHh3Fq/abc-W.png) ·8H₂O, where the https://steemitimages.com/DQmUh991y3ce55pTEJEhpgYTa7W6BgHjC6T4QJ82WxuzUaq/abc-X.png and https://steemitimages.com/DQmRQ3faUXBWyiewcVUVv1UqCV5LJeYidB4f4a3kuuHh3Fq/abc-W.png positions can be (□) vacant:

Apophyllite-(KF) [Fluorapophyllite] : KCa₄Si₈O₂₀(F,OH)·8H₂O
Apophyllite-(KOH) [Hydroxyapophyllite] : KCa₄Si₈O₂₀(OH,F)·8H₂O
Apophyllite-(NaF) [Natroapophyllite] : Na₄Si₈O₂₀F·8H₂O

My specimen is probably the first variety, Apophyllite-(KF) [Fluorapophyllite], as it is the most common. Of course, it really does not matter to me because I like it, regardless of which type it is. 😁

The fascinating thing about this crystal is the different "faces" it has. There are FOUR large faces of a similar five-sided shape, which point up towards the top of the crystal. In-between them, along the bottom of the crystal are four smaller faces that are each unique in shape. The following image is the above photo with the faces outlined in aqua to help the viewer see them easier.

There is plenty of "stuff" inside this crystal — bits of uncrystallized material, some of which are planes that reflect light.

Over the years that I have been studying crystals, I have seen many sources that indicate crystals with faces of the particular shape as those on my apophyllite crystal (see photo at right) are sacred to Goddess energy. I cannot find a definitive answer referencing the origins of such beliefs, but that shape appears to be a symbol of the great Mother Goddess of the ancient Egyptian religion

One possible explanation for the correlation of such a shape to Goddess might be found in a citation of A.H. Gardiner's "Catalogue of the Egyptian hieroglyphic printing type" ^[1] which depicts Figure M35 as a "heap of grain," which represents a life-giving force. This shape is not an exact match, but it is the closest explanation I can find at this time.

Those who believe in the metaphysical properties of crystals should note that apophyllite is one of the few crystal types that is purported to possess powerful-enough vibrations to clear negativity in their vicinity, including that trapped in other crystals.