Sri Lanka
Alluvial source of transparent multicolor andalusite.
Semi-Precious gemstone profile
Andalusite
Earth-Tone Pleochroism in a Durable Gem
Andalusite is a strongly pleochroic aluminum silicate that can show green, brown, gold, and reddish tones in one stone. Its characteristic cross-like color zoning is often visible in cushion and oval cuts.
Gemological Properties
- Chemical composition
- Aluminum silicate (Al₂SiO₅)
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 7.5
- Color range
- Olive green, brown, golden, reddish brown, or pink
- Primary sources
- Sri Lanka, Brazil, Spain, Russia, Australia
- Luster / transparency
- Vitreous / Transparent to translucent
Science, structure & identification
A practical field note on what Andalusite is made of, how it forms, how light behaves inside it, and what professionals look for when identifying it.
Browse the plain-language gemstone glossary or learn how to read a lab report.
- Mineral family
- Aluminum silicate polymorph (Al₂SiO₅)
- Formation
- Andalusite forms in low- to medium-pressure metamorphic rocks. Its stability field differs from kyanite and sillimanite, making it useful to geologists reconstructing metamorphic conditions.
- Optical behavior
- Strong trichroism or pleochroism can produce green, gold, and reddish-brown directions. Cross-shaped color zoning comes from the crystal's internal chemistry.
- Treatments & enhancements
- Andalusite is typically untreated. Imitations and composites are possible, so unusual color or unusually low price deserves testing.
- Identification notes
- Pleochroism, orthorhombic crystal structure, refractive index, and characteristic inclusions separate andalusite from tourmaline and smoky quartz.
- Care & durability
- Hardness around 7.5 makes it suitable for careful jewelry wear. Protect it from sharp impact and use warm soapy water rather than steam or ultrasonic cleaning.
Where Andalusite is found
Representative source regions, not a map of every occurrence.
Brazil
Produces gem-quality material with strong pleochroism.
Spain
The name refers to Andalusia, a historic locality association.
The color spectrum of Andalusite
Color is shaped by chemistry, structure, inclusions, and light. These are representative varieties—not a promise that every stone will show every shade.
Olive green
Pleochroic green direction common in fine faceted andalusite.
Golden brown
Warm direction that may appear as the stone rotates.
Reddish brown
Iron and manganese can create a rich russet pleochroic color.
Mosaic
Cross-like zoning can show green, gold, and brown in one face-up stone.
Trusted references
Traditional beliefs & modern crystal claims
Gemstones have rich symbolic histories. The claims below are presented as folklore, cultural tradition, or modern pseudoscience—not as proven medical, psychological, or supernatural effects.
Historical lens
The stone's changing colors have inspired symbolic associations with balance, perspective, and adaptability.
These meanings are modern interpretations of a real optical property.
Historical lens
Some spiritual traditions use andalusite as a grounding meditation stone.
That use is personal ritual, not a demonstrated psychological or medical effect.
Gemological properties can be measured and tested. Symbolic meaning is personal and cultural; crystals should never replace qualified medical or mental-health care.
History of the Andalusite
Mineral & material history
Andalusite was named after Andalusia, Spain, although important gem material also comes from Sri Lanka and Brazil. Its pleochroism made it a subject of early optical study.
Cultural Significance
Its earth tones and cross-like zoning have inspired modern symbolic associations with balance, grounding, and perspective. These associations are cultural or spiritual traditions, not scientifically demonstrated effects.
Cultural meanings and historical beliefs are included for context. They are not scientific evidence or medical advice.
Traditional beliefs & legend
Folklore and modern spiritual practices attach symbolic meanings to Andalusite. Those beliefs are presented as cultural history, not as medical guidance or evidence of physical effects.
This section records cultural history and folklore. These stories are not scientific evidence or medical guidance.
Expert Buying Guide
Rotate the stone before buying because orientation controls the face-up color mix. Look for a pleasing balance of hues, clean facet junctions, and protection from sharp impacts.
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