Astrophyllite

Classic astrophyllite specimen from the renowned Khibiny Massif, Murmansk Oblast, Russian Federation. The piece displays brown to bronze astrophyllite aggregates on matrix, showing the characteristic bladed to radiating crystal habit and submetallic to vitreous luster typical for this locality.

Astrophyllite belongs to the astrophyllite group of complex titanium silicates and was first described in 1854. The mineral name is derived from the Greek astron (star) and phyllon (leaf), referring to its distinctive radiating, star-like crystal aggregates. It is a relatively uncommon mineral, primarily known from alkaline igneous environments.

In the Khibiny Massif, astrophyllite forms during late-stage magmatic to hydrothermal processes in highly alkaline nepheline syenites and related pegmatites. The massif is one of the world’s classic localities for rare alkaline minerals, and astrophyllite from Khibiny is considered reference material for the species.

Astrophyllite is of moderate rarity, with well-developed matrix specimens being particularly desirable among collectors of alkaline and rare-element mineral assemblages. The mineral is generally stable under normal collection conditions.

Typical associated minerals at Khibiny include nepheline, aegirine, albite, eudialyte, and other rare titanium- and zirconium-bearing silicates, reflecting the complex geochemistry of the massif.

This specimen originates from the former collection of C. Strömpl, an amateur mineralogist.