Apophyllite Green Cubes with Peach Stilbite

What You're Receiving

A natural matrix specimen featuring green apophyllite cubic crystals clustered alongside peach stilbite fan formations, collected from the world-renowned Nashik zeolite deposits of Maharashtra, India. This is an exact-specimen sale — the piece photographed is the piece you will receive.

• Length: 3.75" | Width: 3" | Height: 2.25"
• Weight: 322 g
• Origin: Nashik, Maharashtra, India
• Form: Natural matrix specimen — green apophyllite cubic crystals with associated peach stilbite on host basalt matrix
• Note: Exact specimen shown; natural color variation in apophyllite and stilbite is inherent to the locality and formation conditions. Stand sold separately. 

Geological Profile

• Apophyllite: A phyllosilicate mineral of the formula KCa₄(Si₄O₁₀)₂F·8H₂O, crystallizing in the tetragonal system as perfect cubic to tabular crystals with a highly distinctive vitreous-to-pearly luster on cleavage faces. Green coloration is produced by trace vanadium impurities — green apophyllite is significantly rarer than the colorless variety and commands a premium among collectors.
• Stilbite: A tectosilicate zeolite mineral (NaCa₄(Si₇Al₂)₂O₇·28H₂O) crystallizing in the monoclinic system as characteristic bow-tie or sheaf-like aggregates. Peach coloration results from trace iron oxide inclusions distributed through the crystal structure.
• Formation environment: Both minerals form in the amygdaloidal cavities of Deccan Trap basalt — a vast flood basalt province covering western India, erupted approximately 66 million years ago. Hydrothermal fluids rich in silica, calcium, potassium, and aluminum percolated through gas voids in the cooling lava, depositing zeolite and phyllosilicate minerals over millions of years.
• Mohs Hardness: Apophyllite: 4.5–5 | Stilbite: 3.5–4 — both are fragile; handle matrix specimens with care.
• Primary Source: Nashik and Pune districts, Maharashtra, India — the globally dominant source for gem-quality apophyllite and associated zeolite minerals.

Historical & Cultural Significance

The Deccan Trap zeolite deposits of Maharashtra have been known to Western mineralogy since the early 19th century, when colonial-era naturalists first documented the extraordinary diversity of crystal species emerging from basalt quarries near Pune and Nashik. The name apophyllite derives from the Greek apo (away) and phyllon (leaf) — a reference to the mineral’s tendency to exfoliate into leaf-like layers when heated. Stilbite’s name comes from the Greek stilbein (to glitter), reflecting the brilliant luster of its cleavage surfaces. In Indian mineral tradition, these zeolite specimens from the Deccan have long been regarded as sacred earth gifts, and the region remains the world’s most prolific source of museum-quality zeolite clusters, supplying major natural history collections globally including the Smithsonian Institution and the Natural History Museum, London.

Metaphysical & Energetic Properties

• Crown & Heart Chakras: Green apophyllite is strongly associated with the heart chakra — linked to emotional healing, compassion, and the release of suppressed feelings — while its high vibrational clarity also activates the crown chakra for spiritual insight.
• Akashic access & truth: Apophyllite is widely regarded in crystal practice as one of the premier stones for accessing higher dimensional information, facilitating meditation, and promoting transparency and truth in communication.
• Stilbite — calm & intuition: Peach stilbite is associated with the heart and third-eye chakras, valued for its gentle, nurturing energy that quiets mental chatter and supports restful sleep and dream work.
• Combined matrix energy: The pairing of apophyllite and stilbite on a single matrix creates a synergistic specimen — one that balances high-frequency spiritual clarity with soft emotional warmth, making it a prized meditation and altar centerpiece.

Care Instructions

• Handle by the matrix base — apophyllite and stilbite crystals are fragile and will chip or break if contacted directly.
• Dust with a soft artist’s brush or dry microfiber cloth — never use abrasive cloths or compressed air at close range.
• Keep away from water — stilbite is a hydrated zeolite and prolonged moisture exposure can affect crystal integrity and luster.
• Avoid direct sunlight — green apophyllite’s vanadium-derived color can fade with extended UV exposure.
• Store on a stable, padded surface away from vibration, other specimens, and high-traffic areas.