PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- GROUP Silicates - nesosilicates
- COMPOSITION Al2OSiO5
- COLOR Pink, brown, white, grey, violet, yellow, green or blue
- CRYSTALLINE SYSTEM Rhombic
- CRYSTALLINE HABIT Prismatic
- HARDNESS 6.5 - 7.5
- FRACTURE Conchoidal
- EXFOLIATION From good to perfect, bad
- GLOSS Vitreous
- STRIP White
- TRANSPARENCY From transparent to almost opaque
- SPECIFIC GRAVITY 3.2
- REFRACTIVE INDEX 1.63 - 1.64
MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The chiastolite is an opaque variety of andalucite that has a twin shape. The andalucite is characterized by a cross-shaped carbonaceous inclusion, which can be seen when cut crosswise. This cross-shaped part is due to the embedding of impurities around the crystals as they grow.
It usually appears in metamorphic rocks and rarely in granites and granitic pegmatites. The name of chiastolite comes from the Greek "chiastos", which means "cross".
Deposits: Russia, Chile, Spain and the United States.
THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES
The chiastolite is considered a stone of courage and transmutation. Formerly it was used as protection from curses. It is usually used to face changes and helps to go through them in order to achieve harmony. The chiastolite promotes problem solving and promotes realistic vision. Helps calm fears and regain self-esteem.
