It is a common fiberous massive form. Color is white, brown and green. Luster is silky when fiberous or vitreous otherwise. Transparency crystals are transparent to translucent. Cleavage is good in one direction lengthwise.
Fracture is splintery.
Hardness is 7.5 in large crystals but more fiberous forms are softer. Streak is white. Associated Minerals are garnets , biotite , feldspars , quartz , kyanite and andalusite . Notable Occurrences include Brazil, New England area and many European sites. Best Field Indicators are crystal habit, color, brittlness and hardness if not fiberous.