Apophyllite Cluster

Apophyllite was orginally thought to be its own mineral but in1978 was redefined as a general term for three official minerals that are similar in their chemistry and physical properties - The three varieties are: Fluorapophyllite, Hydroxyapophyllite and Natroapophyllite  . Fluorapophyllite is by far the most abundant and colorful of the three and is usually what is referred to when a specimen is just labeled apophyllite. Hydroxyapophyllite is also relatively common, but specimens typically lack any color and are limited to pseudo-cubic crystal habits. The natroapophyllite is quite rare and is found at only a few localities. Its typical brown color can help distinguish it from its close cousins.