Other Names
None known.
Associations
Element: Earth, Air
Chakra: Solar Plexus, Heart
Description
Andalusite is a pleiochroic gemstone, meaning it shows different colours when viewed from different directions. It can display brown, orange, yellow, gold and green, and unlike other pleiochroic stones it is cut to make the most out of these different colours, as they are all pleasing to the eye.
It has been called ‘Poor Man’s Alexandrite’ thanks to its different colours and shades, but this is not strictly accurate as Alexandrite only displays its different colours in different lighting conditions unlike Andalusite. This gemstone is a 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it a fairly hard gemstone.
About
Andalusite derives its name from the site of its discovery, Almeria in the southern Spanish province of Andalusia, although it is also found in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Russia, Sri Lanka and the United States.
Some Andalusite gemstones have carbonaceous inclusions, arranged so that they form a dark cross when viewed in cross section. This variety is called Chiastolite and in ancient texts it is sometimes referred to as “lapis crucifer”, meaning “cross stone”.
Health
Andalusite is good for working with eye problems, water retention and calcium deficiencies. It is also said to be useful for those suffering from AIDS.
Magic
Andalusite enhances mental clarity and intellect, and stimulates problem solving abilities. Use it to calmly and objectively analyse your personality and character, or view two sides of a situation or problem.
It can also be used when trying to communicate with the spirit world. Andalusite can also be used for protection, moderation and balance.
Legend & Lore
The “lapis crucifer” was carried by pilgrims, and the Andalusite stone was thought to ward off the evil eye.
Thanks for this interesting facts. And for the wisdom it provided.