Andalusite Gemstone: Properties, Meanings, Value & More

Andalusite is a somewhat lesser-known gemstone best known in rich shades of red, green, and brown. Its popular orangish-brown colors are reminiscent of sweet sap oozing through tree bark or the burning embers of a bonfire. Its stunning pleochroism is a wicked site.

Is andalusite a rare stone? High-quality andalusite gemstone material is pretty rare. However, andalusite as a mineral is common.

We here at Gem Rock Auctions pride ourselves on our knowledge of gems and our skills at garnering high-quality stones straight from the source. Our vast collection features gemstones like andalusite for every buyer!

Craving a solar-plexus-chakra refresh, or a distinguished pear-shaped pendant to wear to your next event? We’ll cover the andalusite uses, meanings, properties, and everything else you need to know before buying some lovely andalusite for yourself!

What Is Andalusite?

Andalusite is a semi-precious gemstone with the additional monikers or spellings:

• Andalousite / Andaluzite

• Apyre / Feldspath apyre

• Jamesonite

The gem is known for its earthy brownish colors, with more value emphasized in specimens that show reddish, orange, and pink reflections. Andalusite also has an impressive ability to change colors depending on the angle you view it. Simply turning the stone from side to side sparks a sense of wonder and awe.

Its tones might remind you of garnet, but is andalusite a garnet variety? Nope, andalusite isn’t from any of the garnet mineral families.

On that note, andalusite crystals are sometimes mistaken for alexandrite, earning it the nickname “poor man’s alexandrite.” However, andalusite is anything but poor. It comes in rich, lavish shades that make for elegant andalusite jewelry and boasts spectacular healing properties.

Plus, andalusite isn’t a color-changing gem like alexandrite, which only changes hues under different types of lighting. Instead, andalusite can display pleochroism (different colors at different viewing angles) or color-zoning (different colors in different sections, like watermelon tourmaline).

But pleochroism is just one of andalusite’s many notable properties.

Andalusite Specifications & Characteristics

As an aluminum nesosilicate, andalusite’s formula is Al2SiO5. It shares this chemical makeup with kyanite and sillimanite, making all three polymorphous (meaning their crystal habits and structure are different).

Andalusite is also isostructural and forms a series with kanonaite, a greenish-black mineral with the formula Mn3+Al(SiO4)O.

Sometimes iron substitutes for some of the aluminum in andalusite, which will significantly increase the stone’s birefringence and refractive index.

In terms of habits, andalusite crystals are usually prismatic with square cross sections and sometimes striations. You can also find aggregates of columnar andalusite crystals. In rare cases, andalusite crystals are twinned on {101}.

However, most andalusites have a fibrous, compact, or massive habit.

Sometimes, you’ll see andalusite on other minerals. For example, andalusite and sillimanite phenocrysts are often found on the natural volcanic glass macusanite.

Here are some more specific andalusite properties:

• Mohs hardness: 6.5-7.5; Chiastolite: 5-5.5

• Color: Brown, orange-brown, reddish-brown, rose-red, pink, yellow, green, blue, violet, colorless, white, gray; Can be bi-colored or multi-colored

• Crystal structure: Orthorhombic

• Luster: Vitreous or subvitreous

• Transparency: Transparent to opaque

• Refractive index: 1.629-1.648; Viridine: 1.66-1.69

• Density: 3.11-3.17; Viridine: 3.13-3.21; Chiastolite: 3.00-3.15

• Cleavage: Distinct/Good on {110}, Poor on {100}

• Fracture: Irregular/uneven or subconchoidal

• Streak: White

• Luminescence: Fluorescence sometimes present - Brown, dark green, or yellowish-green in SW-UV; None in LW-UV

• Birefringence: 0.007-0.013; Viridine: 0.029

• Pleochroism: Present & strong in translucent to transparent stones; Typically shifts yellow to green to red OR reddish-pink to greenish-yellow; Brazilian material: Shifts olive green to flesh-red or orange-brown; Blue Belgian material: Shifts blue to colorless

• Dispersion: 0.016

• Optical effects: Rarely chatoyancy

If you’re confused by the “viridine” and “chiastolite” in that list, those are the two main varieties of andalusite.

Types of Andalusite

There are two named andalusite varieties: viridine and chiastolite.

Viridine

Pictured above: Bright green viridine (manganese andalusite) andalusite rough from Brazil | Image credit: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

Viridine is a commonly translucent to transparent andalusite variety named for its “viridescent” grassy green hue. The characteristic coloring is the result of viridine containing manganese (Mn3+), making its formula (Al,Mn3+)2SiO4O.

Other names for viridine include:

• Manganandalusite

• Mangandalusite

• Manganoan Andalusite

Thanks to its manganese content, viridine has a higher refractive index and birefringence.

Chiastolite

The second type of andalusite, chiastolite is a commonly opaque (sometimes translucent, rarely transparent) variety with dark gray to black carbonaceous material creating a cross-shaped pattern in the center. The dark material may be graphite particles, other carbon compounds, or clay.

The name “chiastolite” derives from the Greek chiastos, meaning “arranged diagonally” or “crossed.” Some other terms for chiastolite include:

• Trapiche andalusite

• Lapis crucifer (Latin for “cross stone”)

• Cross stone / Fairy cross stone

The cross stone andalusite variety has remained popular among Christians for centuries, particularly in Spain and America.

This stone was identified as early as the 1500s, even before andalusite was discovered.

Andalusite History

German geologist Abraham Gottlob Werner conducted the first analysis of andalusite from specimens found in Spain. French mineralogist, geologist, and paleontologist Jean-Claude Delamétherie collaborated with Werner, writing the first description of andalusite in 1798.

In his description, Delamétherie chose the name “andalusite” because he and Werner thought the samples came from Andalusia, Spain. But their specimens weren’t actually from Andalusia — the true original source was El Cardoso de la Sierra in Guadalajara, Spain.

In fact, this technically wasn’t the first andalusite discovery.

Chiastolite was recorded as early as 1648, when it appeared as a drawing in a book by Dutch geographer Johannes De Laet. The first official description of chiastolite, by Spanish missionary and paleontologist, José Torrubia, came in 1754 — over 40 years before andalusite’s description.

Regardless, the name “andalusite” has persisted.

For decades, andalusite was simply known as a rare collector’s stone. That changed when gem-quality material from Brazil emerged in the 1970s, followed by high-quality material from Sri Lanka in the 1980s.

Andalusite Healing Properties

True to its Virgo ties, andalusite is a healing stone that helps ground us in independence, harmony, and practicality. When thinking about andalusite crystal benefits, we must remember that every colored gemstone has its own meaning and healing powers!

For example, orange gemstones help us feel more grounded, while green gemstones like viridine are great emotional supports for heartbreak and despair.

Let’s look at the andalusite metaphysical properties and learn how we can use this lovely gemstone to find genuine healing.

Physical Healing

On a spiritual plane, andalusite helps you find confidence and self-realization. In other words, it helps you see your problems with a calm, objective eye while also giving you the strength to address them.

Andalusite uses can be quite literal, as that objective eye translates to the physical plane. Crystal healers find andalusite to be a great healing stone for visual impairments, either stemming from stress, blue-light strain, or cataracts.

This crystal may also soothe intense water retention, which can lead to bloating, discomfort, and insecurity. Finally, andalusite gems may help with common mineral and vitamin deficiencies, like calcium, Vitamin D, and iodine.

Andalusite crystal healing surpasses our physical health. Let’s explore how it can help support you through emotional strains.

Emotional Healing

Modern society riddles us with constant noise from the news, societal expectations, social media, and our own anxieties. For those times when the chatter is so overwhelming that you struggle to hear your inner voice, andalusite offers clarity and self-realization.

Have you struggled with any of the following?

• Unhealthy codependency in relationships

• Overindulgence

• Anxiety about the future

• Clouded judgment

Andalusite helps you find yourself, giving you the independence and confidence you need to silence your anxieties and find harmony in the path your heart desires. It also gives you the courage to let go of unhealthy, toxic relationships that are holding you back.

If you find yourself at a crossroads or feel insecure about a decision, meditate with andalusite and place the stone just below your heart for clarity. Chakra activation, here we come!

Chakra Healing

When aligned, your chakras regulate your emotional well-being and radiate with free-flowing, powerful energy. Each of your major body meridians corresponds to a different chakra.

Do you suffer from gurgling, uncomfortable indigestion? Low self-esteem or self-reliance? Your solar plexus chakra might be blocked! Andalusite is a great solar-plexus-chakra activator that can help you release any insecurities and tension blocking your stifled luminous, yellow chakra.

Charge your andalusite gemstone under the sun for a few hours to keep it revitalized and ready to heal. Then, place it underneath your heart while taking deep, cleansing belly breaths. It might help to repeat a mantra, like “Today I’m safe, and tomorrow I’ll find my way.”

Find your “om” and let andalusite open up your solar plexus chakra. After a few meditation sessions, we’re confident that you’ll find the spiritual juice you need to heighten that self-esteem, regulate your digestion, and tackle any goal with gusto and assurance.

Now, what factors influence the value and pricing of andalusite in the gemstone market?

Andalusite Gemstone Properties

Not every andalusite gemstone on the market is created equal. Its value depends on certain andalusite crystal properties, in this case: color, cut, clarity, carat weight, and treatments.

Color

Andalusite graces us with many different hues, often within the same gemstone. Is andalusite a rare stone if it displays multiple colors? Not quite, but the better the cut, the more colors it will show!

A favorite range of hues for gem collectors is andalusite’s rich warm palette of brown, red, orange, and yellow — some of which are present in one gemstone at different angles as you turn it.

Value-wise, what is the best color of andalusite? The andalusite gemstone price is higher for stones presenting a bright orange, red, or even pinkish hue. Andalusite gems with strongly defined color zones (bi-colored andalusite) can also be more valuable, along with strongly pleochroic andalusites.

Cut

Andalusite is incredibly dynamic when it comes to cutting possibilities. You can find andalusite made into carvings, cabochons, and all sorts of faceted shapes.

That said, well-cut faceted andalusites tend to be most valuable.

Why? For one, facetable andalusite material (with good transparency) is pretty rare. Secondly, it takes a skilled lapidarist (gem cutter) to choose the best cut that navigates around inclusions while highlighting pleochroism and body color... all while trying to maintain as much of the crystal as possible.

Overall, emerald, oval, and marquise faceted shapes — especially when they display one color in the center and shift to a darker color along the edges — are priciest.

Chiastolite is cut into slices, cabochons, or spheres. The very rare cat’s eye andalusite must be cut as a cabochon to display the effect properly.

Clarity & Transparency

Clarity describes the degree of visible inclusions in a gem, which can lower its transparency, value, and durability. Andalusite has a Type II clarity grade, meaning visible inclusions are common but the highest-quality specimens have few to no visible inclusions.

Finding andalusite crystals with a high degree of transparency is also rare, so these are much more valuable.

Potential inclusions and internal features in andalusites include:

• Complex growth patterns (often with inclusions along the growth directions)

• Rows of small film or discs creating “stringer” patterns

• Cone-shaped tubes

• Scattered tiny crystals

• Multiple types of curved inclusions (Type 1 usually in andalusite, Type 2 in chiastolite or chiastolitic andalusite)

  • Type 1: Transparent, colorless fibers (possible sillimanite) next to perpendicular fringe-like films

  • Type 2: Growth tubes filled with black or brown granular material, sometimes grouped in bundles pointing various directions; Sometimes seen with curved tubes around green core & more tubes radiating outward from core

• Birefringent platelets

• “Fingerprints” (networks of filled tubes) creating criss-cross patterns

• Pinpoints (tiny embedded crystals) in straight, curved, or wavy zones

• Range of growth features & patterns (e.g. distinct color zones, wavy yellow & brown zones in chiastolite)

• Veils (partially healed internal fractures)

• Needles (usually rutile or apatite)

• Hematite flakes (usually in Brazilian material)

Not all inclusions are bad news, though. Two examples are the fibrous inclusions that create the very rare chatoyant andalusite (the “cat’s eye” effect) and the black, carbonaceous, cruciform (cross-shaped) inclusions that define chiastolite.

Carat Weight

Most gem-quality andalusite material only yields gems weighing 1 to 5 carats. The exception is Brazilian material, which has yielded 75- to 100-carat gems. Still, andalusite gems over 10 carats are very rare.

Given the overall rarity, faceted andalusite price-per-carat ranges increase for gems over 5 carats.

Treatments

Some mining locations subject andalusite to intense heat, altering its shine and color. Irradiation treatments combat these effects.

On the other hand, a few andalusite gemstones receive simple heat treatments to subtly improve their coloring. These heat treatments are fairly rare, though.

A more dramatic change happens with fracture filling (often with clear resin), a treatment that can greatly improve clarity.

Before it ever gets to labs or jewelers, where is andalusite found geographically, and what are its primary mining locations?

Andalusite Formation & Sources

Andalusite is found in metamorphic rocks, rocks that have been significantly shaped or altered with intense heat or pressure.

Most often, andalusite forms from low to medium pressure and temperature changes that happen when clay-bearing (argillaceous) igneous or sedimentary rocks like shale undergo metamorphism.

Andalusite is usually found in slates, schists, gneisses, and hornfels. Less often, the mineral is found in granites and granite pegmatites.

Commonly associated minerals include:

• Kyanite

• Sillimanite

• Muscovite

• Quartz

• Diaspore

• Chlorite

• Cordierite

• Corundum

• Tourmaline

• Garnet

• Mica

But are these metamorphic rocks found just anywhere? Where is andalusite found specifically?

Mining Locations

South Africa is the top mining location for andalusite, with the country’s production being largely dominated by one company: Damrec. The producer owns three mines in South Africa and another in north-western France.

However, South Africa is only the top source of industrial-grade andalusite — not gem-quality material.

Brazil is the main source of gem-quality andalusite material (including most viridine), known for their unusually large size and green or green and pink coloring.

Other notable sources of andalusite are:

• Australia

• Austria

• Germany (Bavaria)

• Madagascar

• Russia

• Spain

• Zimbabwe

• USA (notably Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Virginia)

• Belgium — blue andalusites

• Myanmar — green andalusites

• Sri Lanka — gem material, occasionally large

Chiastolite is primarily sourced from China, Spain, Brazil, and South Australia.

Now, how much will an andalusite gemstone cost you?

Andalusite Price & Value

Andalusite’s range of colors, varieties, and gorgeous pleochroism might lead you to ask: is andalusite valuable? Andalusite price per carat varies, largely depending on color, cut, and size.

So what is andalusite worth if it displays its renowned pleochroism or coveted reddish-pink hues? These types of faceted andalusites range from about $70 to $1,000 overall or about $15 to $200 per carat (at wholesale prices like ours).

Medium yellow-green or orange faceted andalusites range from $20 to $100 per carat. The best colored yellow-green or orange faceted andalusites go for $30 to $200 per carat if 1-4 carats and up to $1,000 per carat if over 4 carats.

Non-chiastolite andalusite cabochons are less common and more affordable, around $15 to $20 each. Chiastolite cabochons are also much more affordable, around $5 to $30 at wholesale.

General andalusite jewelry price ranges are:

• Rings: $40 to over $9,000 (for custom-made gold rings with pricier stones like diamonds and white sapphires incorporated)

• Pendants: $40 to $200

• Beaded Necklaces: $40 to $350

• Bracelets: $30 to $300

• Earrings: $50 to $100

Once you choose your favorite, what are some tips for caring for and preserving the beauty of andalusite jewelry?

Andalusite Care and Maintenance

Andalusite is relatively durable, especially if it’s free of inclusions, but you should still take some precautions to care for your gemstones. Given its brittle tenacity and distinct cleavage, we recommend protective settings for more vulnerable jewelry like andalusite rings.

If you’re working with chiastolite or any other andalusite with a lot of inclusions, they may shatter under extreme heat or vibrations (like that of an ultrasonic cleaning machine). Store your andalusite jewelry in a cool, dark place separate from other gems.

Cleaning andalusite is simple. Just use a mild dish soap or detergent, warm water, and a soft brush to gently clean the stone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before we wrap up, we’ll answer any questions you might still have about andalusite:

What are the key characteristics and properties of andalusite gemstones?

We listed all of andalusite’s properties earlier, but some are more notable when it comes to distinguishing andalusite from other stones. Namely, andalusite’s refractive index, density, and pleochroism (for non-chiastolite andalusite).

Andalusite may be confused with certain gemstones, but they can be distinguished by comparing the properties we mentioned:

1. Alexandrite: Similarly orthorhombic and able to show two colors but only under different types of lighting (not viewing angles); Also has higher density (3.7–3.8) and refractive indices (1.74–1.76) than those of andalusite

2. Tourmaline: Similar refractive indices, density, pleochroism, and range of colors (including bi-colored varieties); Has higher birefringence (0.019–0.039) and different optic sign (uniaxial negative)

3. Bytownite: Sometimes resembles andalusite but less commonly a gemstone, plus has a lower density (2.72–2.75) and no pleochroism

When choosing between two similar options, you’ll want to know about more than just identifying characteristics, though.

How does andalusite differ from other gemstones in terms of color, clarity, and durability?

As mentioned up top, andalusite isn’t the most well-known gemstone. That may be partly because more popular gemstones have similar versions of andalusite’s notable properties.

In terms of color, you can find bi-colored versions of other gems like tourmaline, ametrine, sapphire, and topaz. Most of these gems are also harder than andalusite but often pricier.

For clarity, andalusite’s Type II clarity falls in the middle for colored gemstones. Similar colored gems with Type I clarity — usually free of visible inclusions — include imperial topaz, morganite, and smoky quartz, but the former two are rarer and pricier than andalusite. On the other hand, similarly bi-colored stones like watermelon tourmaline (a Type III clarity gem) have lower clarity.

Lastly, the durability of andalusite also falls in the middle zone. It has pretty good hardness, but its brittle tenacity and distinct cleavage make it more vulnerable than stones like quartz (good tenacity, no cleavage) or sapphire (excellent tenacity, no cleavage).

Pictured above: Mineral chiastolite, chemical composition: Al2SiO5, from collection of National Museum, Prague, Czech Republic, originally from Australia | Image credit: Karelj, Public domain

Are there any notable variations or color varieties of andalusite?

Yes! Andalusite has two named varieties and multiple fascinating color variations. The two named andalusite varieties are:

1. Viridine: Distinguished by its green coloring, manganese content, higher refractive index, and higher birefringence

2. Chiastolite: Distinguished by its dark, cross-shaped, carbonaceous inclusions; Also has lower hardness & lower density

Additionally, andalusite has some other notable variations:

• Blue Andalusite: Famously from Belgium; Blue hue from charge transfer in ferrous to ferric iron

• Colorless Andalusite: Famously from Brazil & Sri Lanka in facetable form; Can be strongly pleochroic

• Trichoic Andalusite: Strong pleochroism in three different colors (typically red, green, and brown shades)

• Cat’s Eye Andalusite: Very rare; Chatoyant effect with ray of reflected light in center (“cat’s eye”) caused by fibrous, parallel inclusions

Another subtype worth mentioning is titanium-bearing (titanian) andalusite, which has been reported from Arizona and may get its titanium content from rutile inclusions.

What are the primary uses of andalusite in jewelry and other applications?

Andalusite has many applications for both jewelry and commercial purposes.

Starting with accessories, andalusite can serve as a gorgeous faceted center stone, especially in autumn jewelry and unisex options. Many jewelers and lapidaries choose yellow gold to bring out andalusite’s autumnal hues.

Earrings and bracelets featuring andalusite are particularly eye-catching with their pleochroic shift of colors. Andalusite gems also serve as great accent stones, often complementing gems like sapphires, diamonds, carnelian, and peridot, to name a few.

Industrially, andalusite’s valuable traits include its:

• High aluminum content (up to 60%)

• Ability to transform into mullite at low temperatures (1200°C to 1,550°C or 2192°F to 2822°F)

• Corrosion resistance

• Resistance to degradation at high temperatures

Given those valuable properties, what is andalusite used for?

Most often, these traits are put to work in the metallurgy industry, where andalusite is used to make heat-resistant bricks used as refractory materials, steel and iron casting cores, and sand molds. The mineral is also used in the creation of white porcelain and other high-heat ceramics.

Plus, andalusite’s formation conditions (especially compared to kyanite and sillimanite) are an important indicator for geologists studying the conditions under which specific rocks formed.

Are there any metaphysical or healing properties associated with andalusite?

Absolutely! Andalusite’s spiritual meaning is linked to grounding, independence, and self-realization — all classic values of Virgo, who gets to relish in andalusite as their zodiac stone!

Some of the purported healing powers of andalusite include:

• Grounding you

• Providing emotional support during tough times

• Boosting your self-confidence

• Increasing nutrient absorption

• Treating eye problems

• Quelling anxieties

• Warding off unhealthy relationships

• Opening your solar plexus chakra

The variety chiastolite has centuries of spiritual uses, which we cover more in-depth in our Chiastolite Info Guide. Individually, andalusite may have been used by ancients as a protective amulet or healing stone in medicinal ceremonies.

How can I distinguish genuine andalusite from synthetic or treated stones?

Distinguishing natural vs synthetic andalusite may seem tricky; many natural andalusite gems have curved growth bands, which are usually a sign of synthesis for other stones. The good news? There aren’t any synthetic andalusite gems on the market yet, although scientists have created synthetic andalusite for research.

Heat treatment is rare for andalusite — it’s also difficult to test for but since it doesn’t drastically improve the color, most sellers won’t try to pass off a heat-treated andalusite as untreated.

Fracture filling, on the other hand, is easily detectable with the right testing tools — namely, an infrared spectroscope. When the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) used epoxy resin and baby oil for fracture filling Brazilian andalusite, they found characteristic bands at 2926 and 2854 cm for both filler materials. The resin filling also had a characteristic band at 3046 cm.

Are there any famous or significant pieces featuring andalusite gemstones?

There haven’t been any major andalusite appearances on, say, celebrity jewelry. But there are notable museum specimens of andalusite:

• A faceted, 28.3-carat brown andalusite from Brazil displayed at the Smithsonian Institution

• A faceted, 13.5-carat green and brown andalusite from Brazil displayed at the Smithsonian Institution

• A spherical, 14.2-carat chiastolite from Brazil at the Royal Ontario Museum

Andalusite’s lack of popularity may seem like a drawback, but it can be a blessing — the lack of demand means you can find high-quality andalusite gems for affordable prices!

Set Your Sights on Andalusite!

Delight in an autumn dream with the warm orange, brown, and red hues that andalusite flaunts with every piece of jewelry. Andalusite gemstones offer a sultry yet cozy addition to your style, and their splendid healing properties make them a top gem choice in our books!

Ready to channel fiery wisdom and activate your solar plexus chakra with andalusite?

Buy andalusite gemstones today!

Andalusite

Chiastolite