A rare titanium-silicate mineral with a star-shaped crystal pattern, found in igneous rocks.
From astro- (star) and Greek phyllon (leaf), named for its distinctive star-like or leaf-like crystal formations. Discovered in the 19th century and named descriptively for its appearance.
Astrophyllite's name perfectly captures how minerals were often named by their appearance—but finding these beautiful star-patterned crystals in rocks is actually a sign of specific geological conditions involving rare element concentrations.
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