Andalusite has a brilliant pleochroism showing exquisite colors of olive green to brick red. This beautiful composition of two minerals - Kyanite and Sillimanite is extensively used to make stunning jewelry.
Andalusite Meaning
Andalusite is a strongly pleochroic gemstone with hardness ranging from 7 to 7.5. Its interesting hues and durability often attract jewelry lovers. Although andalusite mineral is abundant in nature, crystals transparent enough to facet occur rarely. These gemstones are mined primarily from Brazil where these are found in stream beds or on hillsides under layers of clay. Some other famous sources are Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the Inyo Mountains of California in the US.
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Andalusite can reflect shades of yellow, olive-green, and reddish-brown (trichroism) within a single gemstone. Colors reflected by this gem vary based on the viewing angle and the cut of the gemstone. Some Andalusite gemstones show multiple colors even on seeing it from a single angle. A gemstone with long axes like oval, marquise, or emerald cut usually reflects one color near the center and a darker color near the ends. On the other hand, square and round-shaped gems often reflect a mix of colors. These colorful gems are often used to make Andalusite Jewelry items like Andalusite rings and pendants.
Varieties of Andalusite
Chiastolite
- Andalusite chiastolite has a distinctive cross pattern in the interior cross-section of the crystal.
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Viridine
- It is a bright green to an olive-green variety of Andalusite.
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Cat’s Eyes
- Fibrous inclusions sometimes create a chatoyant effect in cabochons or dome-shaped Andalusite. However, such pieces are extremely rare.
Andalusite stones of different qualities are available in the market. Now the question arises on how to distinguish a premium quality Andalusite from the average ones. There are various factors that help decide the quality of an Andalusite gemstone.
Clarity
- Andalusite often contains tiny needle-like inclusions but as long as they do not affect the pleochroism it is fine. Large eye-clean andalusite fetches a great price. With hardness ranging from 7 to 7.5, it is highly favored for jewelry purposes.
Carat Weight
- Andalusite mined from Brazil can reach 75-100 carats. However, Andalusite gemstones from most localities usually are not more than 5 carats. If keeping the other quality factors constant, bigger gems cost more than the smaller ones.
Cut
- The cutting of Andalusite plays a crucial role as it's the cut which displays pleochroism properly. Gemstones crafted with a long axis can look lighter colored in the middle and darker at the ends even from just a single angle. Square or round cut Andalusite are more likely to blend the colors into a mosaic with two or three colors visible at the same time or with slight movement. Poorly cut gemstones are dull and fail to reflect the play of color properly.
Before Andalusite was discovered in Brazil and Sri Lanka, it was a just a collectors gem and was rarely seen as a polished gem. An increase in its availability, great hardness, and resistance to scratches have made it a popular jewelry gemstone.
While large Andalusite gems are difficult to find and expensive to purchase, smaller gemstones are perfect for jewelry items. Its unique look manages to get attention every single time. A hardness of 7.5 is considered quite high among gemstones and highly suitable to mold it into any kind of jewelry. The deep brown and green colors look super attractive in silvery and yellow metals.
Andalusite gemstones are found in different quality grades. Not only this but many lab-created synthetic Andalusites also exist. Therefore, it is crucial for the customers to get clear-cut details of the gemstone from a reputed gem laboratory. To ensure our customers of the quality of our products, we, at GemPundit, provide our customers with a free lab certificate with each item.
We always advise our buyers not to get duped by the lower prices and end up buying a synthetic or treated gem without proper knowledge. We sell natural gemstones that are certified by trusted gemological institutions. GemPundit is one of India’s leading online gem stores dealing in certified natural gemstones and gemstone jewelry. We have a huge collection of natural, unheated, and untreated Andalusite gemstones online at the most budget-friendly prices. If you are looking out for a fine quality Andalusite gemstone, our experts can help you in finding some good options within your budget.
Andalusite is believed to ward off evil spirits or thoughts by turning negative energies into positive ones. It is also considered to be helpful for stress relief, dealing with depression, balancing hormones, and boosting self-confidence.
Andalusite gemstones are durable with a hardness rate of 7.5 on the Mohs scale and can stand up to daily wear. However, it is always recommended to clean your Andalusite stone with Lukewarm soapy water and a soft brush. Make sure to rinse the stone well after washing it. Do not steam clean your Andalusite.