Introduction
As jewelry enthusiasts, we are all eager to purchase gemstone rings set with rare stones. Today, we are going to talk about one such ring – the Astrophyllite ring – which is set with the rare gemstone Astrophyllite. Quite a unique name, isn’t it? Well, this name is derived from two ancient Greek words, “Astron” and “phyllon”, which roughly translate to ‘star’ and ‘leaf’ respectively. This name indicates the distinctive star-like crystal formation of this gemstone and its leaf-like structure.
In this blog, we are going to explain some of the common mistakes you must avoid as you purchase Astrophyllite rings for yourself, along with awesome tips for stone color selection. So, let us begin our journey by first understanding the specifics of the beautiful Astrophyllite.
What is Astrophyllite?
Astrophyllite, a rare brown/black to golden semi-precious gemstone, is a stone known for its starburst crystal patterns and submetallic glimmer. Also known as “Astrofillite,” “Asterophyllite,” and “Aastrophyllite,” this stone is used as an alternative to the traditional January birthstone. This stone is also the lucky zodiac stone for all water sites, which are Scorpio, Cancer, and Pisces. Mineralogically, it is a complex silicate mineral made up of potassium, iron, sodium, titanium, and a couple of other elements.
Chemical Composition of Astrophyllite
This stone has a complex chemical formula, which is as follows: (K,Na)3(Fe,Mn)7Ti2Si8O24(O,OH)7 Thus, you can say that the main constituents of this stone include:
- Potassium (K)
- Sodium (Na)
- Iron (Fe)
- Manganese (Mn)
- Titanium (Ti)
- Silicon (Si)
- Oxygen (O)
- Hydroxyl (OH)
The common mineral impurities found in this stone include:
- Magnesium (Mg)
- Aluminum (Al)
- Calcium (Ca)
- Zirconium (Zr)
- Niobium (Nb)
- Tantalum (Ta)
Physical Properties of Astrophyllite
- Crystal System: This mineral crystallizes in a triclinic system.
- Crystal Habit: Generally, these minerals form as bladed, radiating stellate aggregates.
- Color: Exhibits a range of colors, including bronze-yellow, golden-yellow, brown to reddish-brown, and rarely, it can be seen in greenish color.
- Luster: Greasy, submetallic, or pearly.
- Hardness: Between three and four on the Mohs scale, which is why it’s a relatively soft stone and easy to scratch.
- Specific Gravity: 3.2 to 3.4
- Cleavage: Perfect cleavage on {001} and poor on {100}
- Fracture: Uneven or Irregular
- Streak: Golden or yellowish-brown
Optical Properties of Astrophyllite
- Refractive Index: nα = 1.680, nβ = 1.700, nγ = 1.7303.
- Birefringence: 0.050
- Pleochroism: This stone exhibits strong pleochroism, meaning it displays different colors when viewed from specific angles. (with X = deep red-orange, Y = orange-yellow, and Z = lemon-yellow)
Discovery and Naming of Astrophyllite
In 1844, a Norwegian mineralogist, Paul Christian Weibye, discovered this mineral on the Laven Island in Norway. Initially, Weibye called this mineral “Brauner Glimmer” (meaning brown glimmer) and described it as a brown, micaceous stone.
The current name of this mineral was coined by geologist Karl Johann A.T. Scheerer in 1854, who called it “Astrophyllite”.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Purchasing an Astrophyllite Ring
Overlooking the Cut of the Astrophyllite Ring
This stone possesses unique starburst patterns that are best showcased only through a handful number of cuts. The most common and practical choice in terms of cuts while buying an Astrophyllite ring is the cabochon cut – this cut is said to effectively display the different patterns of the stone as well as its golden sheen. Another choice is getting the stone set in rough (or druzy) form in the ring. So, you need to opt for the rings set with rough or cabochon-cut Astrophyllite stones.
Focusing only on the Size of the Stone
Although it’s important to choose a ring having a considerably bigger sized stone (especially if you are buying a statement piece), other aspects, like color contrast and overall aesthetics of the stone also matter. This is why it is always recommended not to focus only on a single element (like size) when buying a ring, and to look at the ring from different perspectives, like the color of the ring, the precious metal used to make the ring, and so on and so forth.
Neglecting Durability
As stated above, the Mohs rating of Astrophyllite is pretty low, and thus, you can conclude that it is a soft stone. Similar to all soft stones, you need to ensure that you get your Astrophyllite set in a protective setting, like the bezel setting, where there is a metal rim that surrounds the stone from all sides. This provides added safety to the ring while offering peace of mind to the wearer that the stone can handle accidental blows and shocks.
Not Verifying the Authenticity of Your Astrophyllite Ring
Astrophyllite is a rare stone, and this is why you need to ensure that you purchase it from a reputed seller so you are not cheated and sold a knockoff. Also, it is recommended that you get the stone set in your Astrophyllite ring tested by a proper gemological laboratory, like GIA, GIT, or ICA GemLab which declares that the gemstone you have is the real deal.
Overlooking the Ring’s Comfort
It’s true that jewelry is a status symbol to wear, and you cannot focus on comfortability while selecting your favorite pieces. Yet, if you are wearing your gemstone ring for its healing properties and spiritual benefits, it is important that you select a ring you can wear for extended periods of time. Thus, if you are purchasing these rings for the benefits they offer, you need to ensure that it is at least moderately comfortable.
Approach to Stone’s Color While Buying Astrophyllite Rings
While purchasing an Astrophyllite ring, you should choose the ring with a golden-yellow to bronze color since it is the most desirable color of Astrophyllite. You also need to ensure that the ring showcases a distinctive coppery-bronze starburst pattern, which is the signature pattern for which this stone is highly prized. Below are some other details:
- Visually Appealing Stones: The coppery-bronze starburst pattern of astrophyllite is admired even more when it shimmers in a golden glow after being struck by light – this is quite rare, and if a ring you are looking at showcases this, buy it immediately.
- Current Trend: If you speak of the current trend, then jewelry enthusiasts particularly adore the Astrophyllite rings, which display the classic golden, bladed crystal faces shooting outwards that resemble fireworks.
- Color Contrast: If you are confused because you have too many options, then you can narrow your choices by filtering the ring based on color contrast. The most appealing color combination is a creamy white or light gray nepheline syenite matrix possessing a blonde/golden, shining astrophyllite starburst pattern that emerges from a single point.
Conclusion
Not only is this stone loved by jewelry enthusiasts, but its rarity and unique looks make it a dream for mineral collectors as well. Also, Astrophyllite is used a lot in meditation and energy-healing practices because many people feel it’s a multidimensional stone that connects the wearer to different realms and attunes them to divine wisdom. So, are you ready to purchase a beautiful Astrophyllite ring for yourself?
As a retailer, you can purchase Astrophyllite jewelry like rings, earrings, and pendants at wholesale rates from Rananjay Exports, India’s biggest wholesale gemstone jewelry supplier. Other than Astrophyllite, we deal in gemstone rings in more than 250+ different gemstones. It does not matter whether you want designer jewelry, casting jewelry, or handmade jewelry – we offer everything at reasonable rates. Order from us, and if you’re confused, check out our bestselling collections, which are the birthstone jewelry collection and chakra jewelry collection.
