Apophyllite

/ˌæpəˈfɪlaɪt/ noun

Definition

A colorless or white crystalline mineral, potassium calcium silicate hydrate, often found in volcanic rocks and zeolite deposits, valued by collectors for its cubic crystals.

Etymology

Named from Greek apo- (away) and phyllon (leaf), because the mineral easily splits or 'flies away' into leaf-like sheets when heated, a property noticed by early mineralogists.

Kelly Says

Apophyllite shows off one of geology's coolest properties—it dehydrates and splits apart when heated, looking like it's transforming into leaves! Collectors love it because it forms beautiful cubic and pyramidal crystals in cavities of volcanic rock.

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