Astrophyllite

Astrophyllite is a very rare, brown to golden
yellow hydrous potassium iron titanium silicate
mineral. The name comes from the Greek words
astron meaning "star" and phyllon meaning
"leaf." Dark shiny needles of astrophyllite
contrast sharply with the light coloured matrix
the mineral is regularly found within.
Astrophyllite is usually opaque to translucent,
but may be transparent in thin specimens. The
mineral is mostly interesting for scientists and
collectors, though sometimes it is also used in
jewellery where it is fashioned into cabochons.
Astrophyllite was first discovered in 1854 at its
type locality; Laven Island, Norway. It is found
in a few scarce, remote localities: Mont-Saint-
Hilaire, Quebec, Canada; Pikes Peak, Colorado,
USA; Narsarsuk and Kangerdluarsuk,
Greenland; Brevig, Norway; and the Kola
Peninsula, Russia.
Metaphysical properties of this stone include
the ability to enhance confidence, intellect,
insight, and recovery and to bring to life hidden
forces.