ANDALUSITE

The variety chiastolite commonly contains dark inclusions of carbon or clay which form a checker-board pattern when shown in cross-section.

The clear variety first found in Andalusia, Spain, can be cut into an interesting gemstone. Faceted andalusite stones give a play of red, green, and yellow colours that resembles a muted form of iridescence, although the colours are actually the result of unusually strong pleochroism.

Location - Andalusia, Spain Group - Silica R.I - 1.633 - 1.644 Hardness - 6.5 - 7.5