Arfvedsonite is a highly active and invigorating gem to work with, helping us reach the inner well of our power more reliably and effectively. It's a phenomenal gem for the Higher Chakras (Throat Chakra, Third Eye Chakra, and Crown Chakra), promoting a decisive and personal approach to expanding our spiritual horizons. Working with Arfvedsonite helps us build a better understanding of who we are, what we need, and how to achieve it, which is why this crystal is used for introspection, personal transformation, and manifesting success. A powerful gem for any who seek to look beyond, Arfvedsonite has also been used in Divination and Dream work since it helps us to form a clearer vision of future events, more accurately interpret signs from the universe, and open ourselves to the wisdoms that elude the waking mind. For those who feel confused, lost, or unsupported in their journey, Arfvedsonite is a helpful compass, assisting us as we navigate life's path.
The Arfvedsonite group of minerals are sodium Amphiboles that appear blue-ish black to completely black when looked at head on. However, like many Amphibole minerals, when Arfvedsonite's growth pattern is properly aligned, this gem can show off shimmering streaks of flash. Typically found growing within Quartz, Arfvedsonite can show up alongside Riebeckite (to which is is chemically similar) as well as other Amphibole minerals and Pyroxene group minerals (like Aegirine). In fact, the dark spots found in Dalmatian Stone (better known for its honorary name: Dalmatian Jasper) are typically attributed to growths of Arfvedsonite and Aegirine.
Astrophyllite vs Arfvedsonite
Because of their streaked, glimmering growth patterns, Arfvedsonite and Astrophyllite are often mistaken for one another. This is partly because they can, on occasion, show up alongside one another. This is also because Arfvedsonite can be found intergrown with Tuperssuatsiaite, a Palygorskite group mineral that grows in a starburst pattern in varying colors (golden, orange, reddish-brown, green), some of which cause it to be mistaken for Astrophyllite. When in doubt, remember that Astrophyllite and Arfvedsonite are not the same gem! Arfvedsonite has a Mohs hardness of 5 - 6, while Astrophyllite is only a 3. The flash of Astrophyllite is typically a strong gold to copper shade, with thicker "spokes" of growth usually found amid pegmatites, quartzite, or orthoclase, resulting in stark contrast between the Astrophyllite and matrix. Arfvedsonite can absolutely form on feldspar and in Quartz, but most specimens are more uniformly dark in color, primarily a dark blue-grey to black, and may not show flash at all depending on the orientation of growth. When displaying flash, Arfvedsonite's streaks of glimmer are usually thinner than Astrophyllite's, showing up in shades of silvery-blue, green-grey, and (sometimes) greenish-yellow.
Arfvedsonite Crystal
