Crystal Encyclopedia

Choose a letter, pick a stone from the list, and read about it: what it is made of, how hard it is, what it looks like, what it has traditionally been said to do, and how to look after it.

450 minerals

Green Apophyllite

The Releaser of Old Ties

Also known as: Green Fluorapophyllite

About the stone

Green Apophyllite crystal
Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Green apophyllite is a pale mint-to-deep-green member of the apophyllite mineral group, commonly identified as fluorapophyllite, prized for its glassy crystals that grow in cavities within volcanic basalt. René Just Haüy named apophyllite in 1806 from Greek words meaning “away from” and “leaf,” referring to its tendency to flake when heated; the green variety is strongly associated with discoveries near Pune (formerly Poona), India. Classic sources include Pashan Hill near Pune and other localities in Maharashtra, with additional occurrences reported in Brazil and Quebec, Canada. Also called green fluorapophyllite; it has primarily modern spiritual lore linking it with renewal, emotional balance, connection to nature, and the heart chakra.

Mineral data

  • Chemical composition: Green apophyllite is a hydrated potassium calcium fluoride-silicate mineral, approximately KCa4Si8O20(F,OH)8H2O, tinted green by trace elements.
  • Hardness: 4.5 to 5 on the Mohs scale.
  • Color: Pale to medium green, glassy and translucent.
  • Specific gravity: 2.30-2.50
  • Refractive index: 1.535-1.537

Metaphysical data

Green Apophyllite, recognized for its soft green glow and heart connection, has been utilized in metaphysical practices to release attachments, open the heart and act from truth.

Releasing and Renewing Energy

  • Green Apophyllite is believed to help one let go of things or people that no longer serve the higher self.
  • It is thought to be useful after breakups, helping to cut cords and move on with a lighter heart.

Emotional Healing

  • Green Apophyllite is often used to release suppressed emotions, mental blockages and negative thought patterns.
  • It is believed to clear away anything causing emotional paralysis, suffocation or restraint, allowing feelings to flow freely.

Harmonizing Energy Centers

  • Green Apophyllite is associated with the third eye and heart chakras, and is thought to join intuition with compassion.
  • It opens the heart chakra, helping one connect with the heart and act in truth while giving up ego.

Zodiac Associations

  • Green Apophyllite is associated with the zodiac signs of Gemini and Virgo, signs that value thoughtfulness and discernment.
  • It vibrates to the number 6, linked with love, care and harmony, and is thought to support balanced relationships.

Spiritual Growth

  • Green Apophyllite is useful for meditation, dream recall, clairvoyance, out of body travel, past life work and psychic abilities.
  • It is often used to deepen spiritual awareness while keeping the heart open and ego quiet.

Physical Healing

  • Green Apophyllite is not a substitute for professional medical advice, but it is traditionally believed to aid the body's regenerative abilities.
  • It is also thought to support a sense of ease and renewal, to be seen as a complement to proper medical care.

Care and handling

Green Apophyllite is brittle with perfect cleavage, so handle gently and avoid knocks, especially to the points. Keep it away from heat and strong sunlight, and avoid soaking and ultrasonic cleaning. Dust with a soft brush or wipe with a barely damp cloth; keep acids away.

Individual experiences with Green Apophyllite vary, and its effects are personal rather than guaranteed. Let it accompany your own healing after loss, and seek professional support when it is needed.