Class : Silicates
    Subclass : Inosilicates
    Crystal system : Triclinic
    Chemistry : (K,Na)₃ (Fe,Mn)₇ Ti₂Si₈O₂₄ (O,OH)₇
    Rarity : Uncommon

Astrophillite is a complex silicate of iron, potassium and titanium in which iron can be completely replaced by manganese, forming a continuous series with kupletskite ; titanium can also be substituted by niobium or zirconium. It takes its name from the Greek astron (star) and phullon (leaf) because of its foliated look and brilliant luster. It is a classic silicate of alkaline rocks, mainly sodalite and nepheline syenites and their pegmatites, more rarely fenites. It accompanies sodalite, nepheline and aegyrine. Astrophyllite resembles a brown biotite : the crystals are usually lamellar with hexagonal or rhombic contours, frequently united in radiating aggregates, with a perfect basal cleavage. The color is brown, sometimes brown-yellow. Unlike micas, astrophyllite crystals are brittle and non-flexible. It is a mineral that can be cut in cabochon for jewelery.

In France, astrophyllite is present in the alkaline granites of southern Corsica (Evisa, near Porto).

No fake inventories for this mineral species.