Andalusite is named after Andalusia, the autonomous community of Spain where it was first discovered. Andalusite is an aluminum silicate, closely related to both silimanite and kyanite. In fact, all three minerals are polymorphs, which means they share the same chemical composition, but possess different crystal structures. Andalusite is a strikingly beautiful gem, but it is largely unknown to the general public and considered one of the lesser-known gem types in the trade.
Andalusite has a very distinct combination of colors, and a very pronounced level of pleochroism, which results in exhibition of different colors when viewed from different angles. Andalusite most often occurs translucent to opaque, with transparent gemstone-quality specimens being very rare. For many years, andalusite has primarily been a collector's stone, but it has recently gained a lot of awareness and appreciation from the eyes of many jewelry designers. It is becoming increasingly more popular in jewelry lines and designs. Andalusite possesses a good level of durability and hardness, making it suitable for any type of jewelry application. The attraction of andalusite is much owed to its play of colors from changes to its viewing angle. Similar effects are also seen when lighting strikes the gem from different directions.
Andalusite has a very distinct combination of colors, and a very pronounced level of pleochroism, which results in exhibition of different colors when viewed from different angles. Andalusite most often occurs translucent to opaque, with transparent gemstone-quality specimens being very rare. For many years, andalusite has primarily been a collector's stone, but it has recently gained a lot of awareness and appreciation from the eyes of many jewelry designers. It is becoming increasingly more popular in jewelry lines and designs. Andalusite possesses a good level of durability and hardness, making it suitable for any type of jewelry application. The attraction of andalusite is much owed to its play of colors from changes to its viewing angle. Similar effects are also seen when lighting strikes the gem from different directions.