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Andalusite gemstones are remarkable for their fascinating color habits and very strong pleochroism, which can cause a muliticolored effect of shades of yellow, olive-green, and reddish-brown within a single gem. Although Andalusite as a mineral is not uncommon, the transparent variety used as a gem is very rare. Another important form of Andalusite that is entirely different is the mostly opaque Chiastolite variety, which is known for its unique cross-shaped design within the body of a crystal.
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The strong pleochroic effect in transparent Andalusite exhibits itself with a display of colors when viewing a gemstone through different angles. The intensity of the colors also varies by the viewing angle. The cut of an Andalusite gem plays a critical role in how the color will display itself in a cut stone. Gemstones can be cut either in a long shaped or equant shape. Long cuts will allow gemstones to show one color near the center and a different color on the ends, and equant square or round cuts will allow the multicolored effect to blend in an interesting manner.
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Andalusite is used a minor gemstone. Although it forms hard and resistant gemstones of beautiful color, deposits of gem quality material are not extensive enough to make Andalusite into a standardized gemstone. The cross-patterned Chiastolite variety is also used as a minor gemstone, and can be cut into rounded disc-like slices and polished.
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Chiastolite
- Variety of Andalusite with a distinctive cross pattern (or occasionally a checkerboard pattern) that forms in the interior cross-section of a crystal.
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Viridine
- Bright green to olive-green variety of Andalusite, with its color supposedly caused by manganese impurities.
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Andalusite gemstones are generally not treated or enhanced.
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The rare gem variety comes primarily from Brazil. Chiastolite comes from many locations worldwide, including Australia, China, Portugal, Russia, Spain, and the U.S. (California and Massachusetts).
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Peridot and Chrysoberyl lack the strong pleochroism and multicolored effect
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Have a question about Andalusite? Visit our Q&A Community and ask the experts!
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