The Crystal and Mineral Vault


Welcome to our Crystal and Mineral Knowledge Hub, where science tradition and mindful practice come together. This space is dedicated to exploring the formation properties and cultural associations of crystals and minerals through Mineral Vault profiles and practical guides designed to encourage informed discovery and deeper understanding.

Go to our Mineral Guides for science based knowledge and the 'How to Guides' for spiritual practices.

Apophyllite Specimen

The Crystal and Mineral Vault

Apophyllite: The Crystal That is Named After a Flaw and Became Famous Anyway

by Laura Konst
Apophyllite is named after its tendency to flake apart when heated: the Greek apophylliso, meaning to flake off. The name was given by early mineralogists who observed this behaviour and considered it defining enough to name the mineral after it.