2.6" Rare Andalucite Var Chiastolite Mineral Specimen Asturias Province Boal Spain
Location: Asturias Province, Boal, Spain
Weight: 4.2 Ounces
Dimensions: 2.6 Inches Long, 2.2 Inches Wide, 1.3 Inches Thick
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
Andalucite, a significant mineral in the geological and mineralogical fields, derives its name from Andalusia, a region in southern Spain where it was first identified and described. This aluminum nesosilicate mineral is characterized by its distinctive crystal structure and its formation under specific metamorphic conditions. Its presence in Spain, particularly in the Andalusian region, has been crucial for understanding its geological context and its role as an indicator mineral.
Andalucite is one of the trio of Al2SiO5 polymorphs, along with kyanite and sillimanite. These minerals have an identical chemical makeup but vary in crystal structure, each stable under distinct pressure and temperature environments. Andalucite commonly develops within medium-grade metamorphic rocks, frequently linked to regional metamorphic events. Its occurrence reveals particular pressure and temperature conditions during rock formation, offering paleontologists and geologists crucial insights into ancient metamorphic processes.
Andalucite features an orthorhombic crystal system with three unequal, perpendicular axes, often forming striking prismatic shapes with square cross-sections. Its captivating colors range from pink and red to violet, brown, green, and even colorless, influenced by trace elements in the crystal lattice. The rare chiastolite variety stands out with its unique cross-shaped pattern of dark carbon-rich inclusions set within the lighter mineral—an impressive natural design created by the crystal’s growth process. This exceptional specimen from Asturias is a must-have for collectors seeking something truly exclusive and visually stunning.
