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Andalusite is a mineral, aluminum silicate, usually found in orthorhombic crystals of various colors. Andalusite is named after Andalusia, a province in Spain where it was discovered initially. A polymorph with two other minerals, kyanite and sillimanite, andalusite shares their chemistry but has a different crystal structure. A unique variety of andalusite is called "chiastolite". It contains black or brown clay and/or carbonaceous material inclusioned in the crystal and arranged in regular symmetrical shapes. Andalusite is also pleochroic i.e. different colors in different directions. The best color play of andalusite is seen in fancy shapes, particularly rectangular cushion shapes: in round cuts, the colors blend together. Andalusite is mined in Brazil and Sri Lanka. Owing to its color and durability, andalusite is appropriate for men's jewelry. |
