Full Guide To Apophyllite vs. Clear Quartz (This Is The Difference)

In order to work with our crystals effectively, we need to understand their properties. With crystals that look similar or have similar uses, such as apophyllite and clear quartz, it can be difficult to determine which one to work with. The answer should always be; the one that you are drawn to the most. However, if you are looking to find the difference in physical appearance as well as metaphysical properties, you’ll find your answer here.

Clear quartz is always colorless and transparent or white and translucent, and has a glass-like shine. Apophyllite can be colorless but also comes in yellow, pink, and green, amongst other colors, and can have a pearly shine. Clear quartz is mostly used for any form of healing, whereas apophyllite is used for connection with spirituality.

Continue reading if you want to know more about the (physical) qualities of these stones, as well as how you can use them in your spiritual practice.

Also Read : Selenite vs. Clear Quartz – What’s the Difference? 

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Apophyllite vs. Clear Quartz – How To Tell The Difference?

In order to understand the difference between these two stones, we can look at the color, shape, pattern, clarity, and more. Below we’ll describe all these aspects in detail.

Chemical Composition

Apophyllite belongs to the phyllosilicate group of minerals, which is characterized by its layered nature. The mineral forms naturally as a secondary mineral in volcanic formations. This simply means that the mineral is created as the result of a change of temperature or weathering of a different mineral.
Apophyllite contains fluorine, potassium, calcium sodium, and layers of water in its chemical composition. 

Clear quartz is a member of the quartz group of minerals with a silicate chemical composition. This crystal is formed as a result of magma cooling. Just like when water turns into ice, the silicon dioxide crystallizes to form clear quartz.

Color

Apophyllite is usually white or colorless. Other color variations include, yellow, blue, pink, and green. The different color hues originate from the presence of other minerals within the stone.

Clear quartz can be cloudy white or colorless with a slight glitter effect. When there are other minerals present, it turns into a different type of quartz. For example, pink quartz is called rose quartz, and purple quartz is amethyst.

Pattern and Clarity 

The stones can appear colorless or cloudy, which makes the clarity vary between transparent and translucent. In terms of its shine, apophyllite may have a pearly or vitreous (glass-like) luster. As a result, you might confuse it for ice if you just look at it.

Clear quartz is a transparent stone that can also be rendered translucent as a result of its inclusions. However, this crystal does not have bubbles; if you find your stone does, it is probably a fake.
Additionally, inclusions and cracks lower the quality of these stones.
In terms of its shine, clear quartz has a vitreous luster, meaning it’s almost glass-like.

Lastly, both of these stones have a white streak. This means that if you grind them up, you are left with a white powder.

Hardness 

Apophyllite stones rate 4.5 while clear quartz crystals score 7 on the Mohs scale. If you’re unfamiliar, the Mohs scale of hardness determines a stone’s hardness by measuring how scratch-resistant it is. According to this scale, a stone can scratch any other mineral with a lower score. For reference, talc is a 1, whereas diamond is a 10.

Because clear quartz scores significantly higher, it should be able to scratch apophyllite easily. As a result, clear quartz is the better option to be made into jewelry and decorative objects. Its hardness also means this crystal can withstand water and salt much better.

Apophyllite stones show unevenness in fracture. This means that when this stone breaks, it leaves a rough and irregular surface.
Clear quartz has a conchoidal fracture. When this stone breaks off, you can see smooth, curved lines on the inside. It looks very similar to the inside of a shell, hence the name. This type of fracture is not just common with quartz but also with obsidian and other forms of glass.

Care 

All crystals and gemstones should be cared for properly in order to derive the best of their benefits.

We now know that apophyllite is more delicate than clear quartz. As a result, we recommend avoiding salt(water) for this stone. It is also best not to soak it in water for extended periods of time, as this will turn it even more brittle or even break it.

Additionally, the word “apophyllite” is derived from two Greek words; apo (to be off) and phyllos (leaf). This is an allusion to how this mineral flakes apart like leaves when it is heated. The reason for this is that this crystal is made up of different layers held together by water. When this evaporates, the layers become loose and flake off. We, therefore, do not recommend that you leave it out in the sun or near anything that generates heat.

If you want to clean this stone, you can quickly rinse it under some water and then dry it off with a soft cloth.
If you’re working with this stone for its metaphysical benefits, it is important you cleanse it from negative energies every once in a while. This can be done by leaving it in the company of cleansing crystals like selenite or clear quartz. Afterward, to fill it back up with positive energies, leave it under the light of the full moon for it to soak up the lunar energies.

For clear quartz, feel free to let it come into contact with water – this crystal can withstand it. However, keep in mind that any stone left to soak for extended periods of time will eventually turn dull. It is also fine in salt water and can be left in the sunlight.

For energetic cleansing and recharging, clear quartz is special; it does not accumulate or retain negative energies after use and can cleanse and restore its energies to their original state itself. If you do want to recharge it to amp up its high vibrations, leave it in the sun for an hour or two or in the moonlight overnight.

Also Read: Can Clear Quartz Go In Water?

Location 

Apophyllite stones are found in various parts of the world, despite being a less commonly known mineral. Some deposits of this stone are found in India and Colorado, among other areas. The white or colorless variety is not rare, however, some of the other varieties can be difficult to come by. Green and black apophyllite are definitely part of that list.

Clear quartz is abundant, and its deposits are found all over the world. The leading deposits are found in Russia, Brazil, and Madagascar. 

Use

There are many different ways to use these high vibrational stones. Below we’ll outline a few options for you.

Jewelry 

One of the most common ways crystals are used is in jewelry. If you use either of these stones as jewelry, we always recommend wearing it on your skin and wearing it every day to work with its energy most effectively.
Wearing a pendant or bracelet made of apophyllite or clear quartz will invite positivity and ward off negative energy.

Meditation

Apophyllites and clear quartz crystals help calm stress and anxiety attacks. The stones can be used when you are having trouble controlling actions and thoughts to restore back harmony in your life. If you are meditating with clear quartz or apophyllite to gain some more clarity on specific areas in your life, we recommend using this guided mediation to help you out;

Metaphysical Properties 

Beware that crystals are never a replacement for professional medical help. If you have any issues, see a doctor first and follow their advice.

Apophyllite is believed to possess powerful metaphysical abilities. When the stone is used for meditation, its power awakens the mind and spirit. Apophyllite placed on the third eye chakra, right between the eyebrows, will enhance your psychic abilities, connect you to a higher self and stimulate your inner senses.  The stone is also used as a tool of communication with spirit guides and a good way to reach our subconscious. 

Clear quartz is a very versatile stone; it can be used for what you need it to do. However, it is called “The Master Healer” and we, therefore, recommend that you use this stone for any healing you need, mental or physical. Additionally, clear quartz is a good option for help in making decisions, connecting us to our spirituality, and calming our emotions.

The properties of these stones also make them suitable for crystal healing practices like Reiki. Apophyllite and clear quartz are powerful for healing and cleansing auric bodies and energies. In Reiki, the stones are also used to restore balance and promote positive energy flow. 

Chakra Association 

Apophyllite is associated with the third eye as well as the crown chakra. Depending on the color of your apophyllite, it can also be associated with additional chakras. Have a look at the color of your stone and match it up with the chakras we mention below.

A stimulated third eye chakra eliminates negativity and brings positivity and wisdom into your life. Other benefits will include improved intuition and understanding, appreciating the small things in life, and more peace and joy.

The crown chakra is our connection to the divine and helps us to gain a greater understanding and perspective. As a result, it helps us to gain clarity and overcome fears. 

Clear quartz resonates with all chakras, and has the ability to balance them, due to its versatility. Below you’ll find all the chakras as well as what they do, from the highest (crown) to the lowest (root).

The crown chakra (Sahasrara) governs our spirituality and connects us to our spiritual guides. The chakra is represented by white or indigo
The third eye chakra (Ajna) governs our subconscious and intellect. The third eye chakra is represented by purple/ violet.
The throat chakra (Vishuddha) is the chakra that governs communication and self–expression. The chakra is represented by blue.
The heart chakra (Anahata) governs love and relationships.  The heart chakra is represented by pink/ green.  
The solar plexus (Manipura) governs personal power. The chakra is represented by yellow.
The sacral chakra (Svadihsthana) governs creativity and sensuality. This chakra is represented by a vibrant orange.
The root chakra (Muladhara) governs rootedness and our ability to feel safe. The root chakra is represented by black/ red.

Also read: What Chakra Is Clear Quartz? (Full Guide)

Zodiac Association and Birthstones

Apophyllites are not a birthstone but can be particularly beneficial to Gemini and Virgo, as they are all associated with Mercury. The stone eliminates anxieties, negative thoughts, and self-doubt, which are common for these zodiac signs.  This stone will also help bring calm and balance into their lives. 

Clear quartz is not officially a birthstone but is sometimes associated with April, and thus the zodiac signs of Aries and Taurus born in that month. The clear quartz crystal also particularly benefits the Leo zodiac sign, as they are both ruled by the Sun. 

Aries is an ambitious and goal-oriented zodiac; hence they mainly focus all their energies on their goal. As a result, the zodiac can suffer from anxieties and burnout quite often. Clear quartz crystals remind the zodiac to live a day at a time and appreciate the gains, however small.

Taurus, on the other hand, is a fixed earth sign, making them reliable, organized, and hardworking. They can, however, be a little stubborn and blunt at times. Clear quartz helps this sign to see the bigger picture and allows them to look at a situation from a different perspective.

Leo is an enthusiastic and confident sign that occasionally dwells on the past and is held back by the fears of the unknown. Clear quartz reminds this sign to live in the present and let go of what they cannot control.

Also read: The Complete Guide To Clear Quartz And The Zodiac Signs

Element Association 

Many cultures have developed the idea of elements to explain nature. In the west, this idea was created by the ancient Greeks and consisted of 4 elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water. In India, another element is added: Akasha, representing the foundation of the other elements.

By looking at a crystal’s or gemstone’s properties, we can determine which element fits best.

Apophyllite is associated with the air element, while clear quartz is associated with all elemental energies of nature. The elements of nature are very specific in what they represent. 

• Fire element represents passion and transformation.
• Water element represents feelings and emotions. 
• Air element represents knowledge, intellect, and intuition.
• Earth element signifies growth and stability.
• Akasha element represents the foundation.

Aso read: What Element Is Clear Quartz?

Numerical Vibration 

When choosing crystals, vibration is another aspect to consider for your specific need, just like zodiac signs or elements. Both apophyllite and clear quartz vibrate at the frequency of 4. Number 4 in numerology signifies order, detail, organization, and stability. People who resonate with this number show attributes of grounding and reliability. Their negatives may include stubbornness, which is where these two stones will come in handy to correct some of these aspects.

Planetary Association

Just like zodiac signs, crystals are also associated with the planets and celestial bodies in our solar system. In turn, every planet is associated with certain aspects of our lives. By looking at these associations we can determine which crystal we want to look work with.

Apophyllite stones are associated with Mercury, which governs communication, memory ,and intellect. Crystals that work with Mercurian energy help us with communicating and formulating our needs, as well as in studying and learning.
Clear quartz is governed by the sun, which is the giver of life and represents our ego, confidence, and passion. Crystals that are ruled by the sun are filled with positive energies and emit joy, enthusiasm, and happiness.

Best Combinations 

To get the most out of our work with crystals, it can be incredibly beneficial to pair and combine crystals with similar properties. This way, they can strengthen and enhance each other. Below you’ll find some interesting options.

• Apophyllite paired with green calcite or sugilite crystals activated the crown chakra and stimulates psychic abilities and intuition. The combination will also give a deeper sense of life and growth. Sugilite is a great tool for understanding and acceptance of life lessons. When paired with apophyllite, the combination will help give you the courage to push on and pick lessons as you go through life.
• Pair apophyllite with selenite for tranquility. The stones invite positive energies while clearing away the negative ones. This combination will help you overcome any feelings of guilt and anxiety.
• Clear quartz can be programmed to do anything. The stone is called a master healer for this reason. Paired with black tourmaline, the combination will be perfect for clearing and protecting energies.
• Amethyst can be used together with clear quartz for increased psychic abilities.