Andalusite

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Physical & Optical Properties

Mohs Hardness 7.5
Specific Gravity 3.05 – 3.21
Refractive Index 1.627 – 1.65
Crystal System Orthorhombic
Luster Vitreous
Cleavage Good
Fracture Uneven
Color various
Birefringence 0.007
Dispersion 0.016

Mohs Hardness

Mohs Hardness: 7.5
1 Soft10 Hard

Crystal System

a b c Orthorhombic a ≠ b ≠ c, α = β = γ = 90°

Value & Market

Price Tier Moderate ($50-500/ct)

Treatments

It is reported that olive-green material from Brazil changes to pinkish when heated (Sinkankas, 1972), while brown material is reported (Smith et al, 1978) to fade above 800�C to colorless. Irradiation could conceivably reverse these changes (Nassau, 1984 7.5Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references 3.05 to 3.21Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references BrittleWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) GoodWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references UnevenArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009) YesArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009) 1.627 to 1.650Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references Biaxial/-Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references 0.007 to 0.013Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references Orange/brown stones - strong trichroism: yellow - olive green - reddish brown; Yellow stones - strong: yellow - olive-green - red-brown; Green stones - strong: yellow - olive green - red-brownHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references 0.016Arthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009) Green, yellowish-green, brown, pink, colourlessUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references Green and brown, pleochroism Fe2+ -O- Ti4+ charge transfer. Dark green, Mn3+ in octahedral coordinationW. William Hanneman, Pragmatic Spectroscopy For Gemologists (2011) Transparent,Translucent,OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references VitreousArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009) Weak; green, yellow-greenWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) Inert to moderate green to yellowish greenHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references The brownish greenstones from Brazil often show greenish yellow under X-rays.Michael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth edition (2006) OrthorhombicHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references Prismatic habit with vertically striated prisms which are nearly square in section and capped with pyramidsMichael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth edition (2006) More from other references A result of contact metamorphism of argillaceous sediments, also in regionally metamorphosed schists. Rare in granites and pegmatites, which however afford the largest crystals. Detrital in some sandstones.Anthony et al., Handbook of mineralogy (2003) Andalusite information at mindat.org Australia&nbsp; [var: Chiastolite] Gems, Sixth Edition, Michael O’Donoghue, 2006, p. 381 Brazil&nbsp; Madagascar&nbsp; Madagascar - extraLapis English No.1, p. 92 Myanmar&nbsp; Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok Sri Lanka&nbsp; USA&nbsp; [var: Chiastolite] Gems, Sixth Edition, Michael O’Donoghue, 2006, p. 382 U.S. Geological Survey, 2005, Mineral Resources Data System: U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia.

About Andalusite

Andalusite is a strongly pleochroic aluminum silicate displaying different colors—commonly green, brownish red, and yellow—simultaneously from different viewing angles, which skilled cutters can blend into a rich, harmonious mosaic within a single stone. Named after Andalusia, Spain, it is also found in gem-quality form in Brazil and Sri Lanka. The variety chiastolite contains dark cross-shaped carbon inclusions visible to the naked eye, prized as a natural talisman.

Jewelry Use

Durability 8/10

Suitable for daily wear

Science FYI Family

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Andalusite?
Andalusite is a strongly pleochroic aluminum silicate displaying different colors—commonly green, brownish red, and yellow—simultaneously from different viewing angles, which skilled cutters can blend into a rich, harmonious mosaic within a single stone. Named after Andalusia, Spain, it is also foun
What is the hardness of Andalusite?
Andalusite has a Mohs hardness of 7.5, making it excellent for use in jewelry.
What color is Andalusite?
Andalusite is primarily Various.
How much does Andalusite cost?
Andalusite falls into the Moderate ($50-500/ct) price range. Prices vary based on color, clarity, cut, and origin.
What is the crystal system of Andalusite?
Andalusite belongs to the Orthorhombic crystal system.

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