2.2" Rare Andalucite Var Chiastolite Mineral Specimen Asturias Province Boal Spain
Location: Asturias Province, Boal, Spain
Weight: 1.4 Ounces
Dimensions: 2.2 Inches Long, 1.2 Inches Wide, 1 Inch Thick
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
Andalucite is a key mineral in geology and mineralogy, named after the Andalusia region in southern Spain, where it was first discovered. This aluminum nesosilicate is notable for its unique crystal structure and forms under particular metamorphic conditions. Found predominantly in medium-grade metamorphic rocks, andalusite is essential for understanding geological environments and serves as an indicator mineral. It is one of three Al2SiO5 polymorphs—alongside kyanite and sillimanite—that have the same chemical makeup but different crystal structures stable at varying pressures and temperatures. Andalucite’s orthorhombic crystals typically appear prismatic with a square cross-section and can vary widely in color, influenced by trace elements. The chiastolite variety stands out with its distinctive cross-shaped dark inclusions, formed by impurities aligning along certain crystal directions during growth.
