Locations:
Brazil, Mozambique, Sri Lanka
 Colors Found:
Brown, green, orange, red & white
 Family:  Andalusite
 Hardness:  4.50 - 7.00
 Refractive Index:  1.71 - 1.73
 Relative Density:  3.56 - 3.68



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

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



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” or “Macle”. Chiastolite existed in schist’s 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.

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 most pleochroic gemstones (Iolite, Tanzanite, Kunzite etc.), lapidaries typically try to minimize the pleochroism and maximize the single most prominent color. Interestingly, Andalusite is the opposite, as cutters try to orient the gem to get a pleasing mix of orange, brown, yellow, green and golden colors. When cut successfully, Andalusite looks unlike any other gemstone, displaying patterns of color dancing around its facets.