Apophyllite Heulandite Properties

Apophyllite and heulandite are two distinct minerals that are often found together in geological formations together in volcanic rocks and geodes.

Apophyllite is known for its pyramid-shaped crystals, while heulandite is a zeolite commonly found inside volcanic rocks.  When combined, they form a visually striking combination highly prized by crystal collectors.

What is Apophyllite Heulandite?

Apophyllite Heulandite is a combination of two minerals, apophyllite and heulandite.  These two minerals are commonly found together in volcanic rocks and geodes, often associated with hydrothermal deposits.  It can also be found in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.. Apophyllite is part of the phyllosilicate family, whereas Heulandite is a type of zeolite mineral.

Apophyllite is typically colorless or white, but it can also be green, yellow or pink.  It will be defined by its characteristic pyramidal crystal shape.

Heulandite is another zeolite mineral that’s white, but it can also be green, yellow or pink.  It will have prismatic crystals that will grow in clusters.

Apophyllite Heulandite metaphysical properties

Apophyllite Heulandite is said to have a few metaphysical properties, which include the following:

Communication:  It’s said to help enhance your communication skills as well as give you the confidence to articulate your thoughts and feelings clearly.  If you want to be effective in communicating, this is one to consider.

Emotional healing:  Apophyllite Heulandite is thought to promote emotional healing by helping with stress as well as any negative emotions you may be encountering.  It’s said to help create a sense of calmness.

Preventing negative energies:  Healers say that this crystal can help absorb negative energies and promote only positive vibrations.  It’s said to help release negative patterns and behavior, giving you a sense of “peace.”

Spiritual awakening:  This crystal is said to help you connect with your higher self, which allows you to access your higher state of consciousness and gain spiritual insight.

What are the characteristics of Apophyllite Heulandite?

Chemical composition:  This is a complex mineral with a chemical composition that includes potassium, calcium, silicon, aluminum, oxygen, hydrogen, and fluorine.

Cleavage:  Apophyllite Heulandite exhibits good cleavage in two directions, which means it can be easily split along flat planes.

Color and shape:  It’s typically clear or white with a tetragonal shape for Apophyllite, and white, yellow and/or pinkish colors with a monoclinic shape for Heulandite.  Apophyllite will often showcase pyramid shapes and the mineral will fluoresce under ultraviolet light.  Heulandite crystals are delicate and form inside the cavities within volcanic rocks.

Hardness:  Apophyllite Heulandite scores a 4.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means it’s a relatively softer stone and can be scratched easily by other minerals.

Luster:  It will have a vitreous or glassy  luster.

Transparency:  Apophyllite Heulandite can be transparent to translucent.

What is Apophyllite Heulandite used for?

Catalysis:  It has a complex chemical composition, which makes it helpful as a catalyst in chemical reactions.

Decorative:  Mainly, these specimens are highly valued by collectors and used for decorative purposes.

Drying agent:  Apophyllite Heulandite is also said to be a powerful drying agent, seeing it can absorb and release water molecules.

Healing practices:  Some believe that this crystal can be used for healing properties.  These properties were noted in the metaphysical subsection above.

Water purification:  It’s known to help remove impurities and contaminants from water due to the ability to absorb and release water molecules.

Where is Apophyllite Heulandite typically found?

Geographically, it can be found throughout the world, but India is a primary source, particularly the state of Maharashtra.  Brazil is also a significant source, with large deposits found in the states of Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul.  Lastly, the United States and Canada are two popular areas, however, you won’t find as many deposits as India and Brazil.

Is Apophyllite Heulandite rare?

Apophyllite Heulandite isn’t considered to be rare, however, high-quality specimens can be very rare, particularly crystals that are well formed and larger than average.  The more common pieces won’t have the quality you’re yielding, so if it’s a museum piece you’re looking for, it will be a lot harder to find in comparison to other minerals.