AAA Apophyllite on Blue Chalcedony with Stilbite Cluster

AAA Apophyllite on Blue Chalcedony with Stilbite Cluster

A high-grade mineral combination piece featuring sharp, glassy Apophyllite crystals growing across a soft blue Chalcedony matrix, accented by peach Stilbite formations.

This piece shows a layered growth environment where multiple mineral phases formed under changing chemical conditions — resulting in a highly dimensional structure with strong contrast between clarity, texture, and colour.

🔬 Key Features

• AAA grade apophyllite with sharp terminations and high transparency

• Soft blue chalcedony base creating depth and contrast

• Peach stilbite blades adding natural colour variation

• Multiple crystal generations visible across the surface

• Druzy development and fine secondary growth throughout

• Strong 3D structure — not flat, excellent display presence

📏 Dimensions

• Weight: 253 grams

• Size: 8.6 cm x 6 cm

🌍 Geological & Scientific Notes

• Apophyllite is a hydrated potassium calcium silicate mineral commonly forming in volcanic cavities

• Chalcedony is a microcrystalline form of quartz (SiO₂) that develops from silica-rich fluids

• Stilbite belongs to the zeolite group and forms in low-temperature hydrothermal environments

This combination forms when silica-rich and mineral-rich fluids enter open cavities in volcanic rock, depositing different minerals over time as temperature and chemistry shift.

The result is a multi-stage mineral formation, where each mineral represents a different phase of growth within the same geological pocket.

🧪 Mineral Information

Apophyllite

• Chemical Formula: KCa₄Si₈O₂₀(F,OH)·8H₂O

• Mohs Hardness: 4.5 – 5

• Lustre: Vitreous (glassy)

• Transparency: Transparent to translucent

Chalcedony

• Chemical Formula: SiO₂

• Mohs Hardness: 6.5 – 7

• Lustre: Waxy to vitreous

Stilbite

• Chemical Formula: NaCa₄Al₉Si₂₇O₇₂·28H₂O

• Mohs Hardness: 3.5 – 4

• Lustre: Pearly to vitreous

⚠️ Care & Handling

• Handle with care — apophyllite and stilbite are relatively soft and can chip

• Avoid water exposure for prolonged periods (zeolite minerals can degrade)

• Keep out of direct sunlight to preserve clarity and colour

• Store separately to prevent contact damage from harder minerals

💎 Why This Piece Stands Out

This is not a single-mineral specimen — it’s a multi-phase growth piece, where clarity, colour, and structure all formed under changing geological conditions.

The combination of: • High clarity apophyllite

• Soft blue chalcedony

• Peach stilbite contrast

…makes this a collector-grade display piece with strong visual depth and mineral diversity.