Gems TV

ANDALUSITE

Andalusite, an aluminium silicate, derives its name from the site of its discovery, Almeria in the southern Spanish province of Andalusia.

Legends and lore

Some Andalusite crystals have carbonaceous inclusions, arranged so that in cross section they form a dark cross. This variety is called “Chiastolite” (named after the Greek word for cross) and sometimes referred to in ancient texts as “lapis crucifer”, meaning “cross stone”. Chiastolite is found in schist rock formations near the town of Santiago de Compostela, northwest Spain, and many amulets of the “cross stone” were once sold to pilgrims. Chiastolite is often mentioned as a gemstone of protection and was once used to thwart evil eye curses.

Andalusite is considered by crystal healers to be a gemstone that enhances intellect, problem solving abilities and mental clarity. It is also mentioned as being conducive to the receipt of messages from the netherworld.

Just the facts

While Andalusite’s colour play has been compared to Alexandrite, this is technically incorrect, as pleochroic (displaying different colours in different directions) gemstones like Andalusite feature all their colours at once, whereas Alexandrite only changes colour in different light sources.

Andalusite is a polymorph with two other minerals, Kyanite and Sillimanite. Andalusite typically occurs in thermally metamorphosed pelitic rocks, and in pelites that have been regionally metamorphosed under low-pressure conditions.

It also occurs, together with Corundum, Tourmaline, Topaz and other minerals in some pegmatites.

When cutting strongly pleochroic gemstones (Iolite, Tanzanite, Kunzite etc.), lapidaries typically try to minimise the pleochroism and maximise the single most attractive colour. Interestingly, Andalusite is the opposite, as all the colours visible in different directions are attractive. Cutters therefore try to orient the gem to get a pleasing mix of its orange, brown, yellow, green and golden colours. When cut successfully, Andalusite looks unlike any other gemstone, displaying patterns of colour dancing around its facets.