gemstones

Huge encyclopedia of gemstones

Friday, August 29, 2014

Stone: Chiastolite/Andalusite


Chiastolite/Andalusite - Image by Sonatona

Country of Origin: Chile, Russia, Spain, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Canada, USA

General information: Chiastolite is the brown variety of Andalusite which has a black cross on its surface. The name Chiastolite derives from the Greek word "chiastos" meaning "cruciform" or "cross marked". This stone also has the common name of Cross Stone. 

Physical Properties: The black cross inclusions that are present in this stone are a source of graphite. The crystals of Chiastolite have been pseudomorphically altered by a mixture that contains Muscovite, Paragonite, and Margarite. Margarite is known to be rich in calcium and tends to form along the graphite rich crosses/bands within this stone. 

Metaphysical properties: Chiastolite is a stone of both balance and harmony. It is known to help with mental/emotional balance, stability, enhancing problem solving skills, adapting to chance, memory, and ability to see all sides to a problem. In the distant past Chiastolite was used to ward off the "evil eye"  and curses by ancient people. This stone is associated with the root chakra, and third eye chakra.

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