Andalusite Rare Crystal Strong Pleochroism in Handmade Pendant and Necklace Rhodium Plated
LAZZERINI-GEOJOIAS brings you another Geojewel with a pendant made from a rare natural Brazilian crystal, exclusively in a handmade pendant necklace plated in white rhodium. Brazilian Andalusite, the Viridina variety (due to manganese), is characterized by exceptional pleochroism (color change depending on the viewing angle and type of light).
Andalusite is also known as: the "Sight Stone," facilitating the perception of different aspects of its character; "Cognac Cocktail" due to its colors; or "Poor Man's Alexandrite" due to the beauty of its color changes, similar to Alexandrite, but less rare and expensive.
Its main characteristics include thermal insulation, chemical and physical resistance, but mainly due to its pleochroism (different colors when viewed from different angles, directions, distances, or types of illumination - polarized light).
Only anisotropic materials (with different properties in different directions) exhibit pleochroism. The crystal structure can selectively absorb certain wavelengths of light more intensely when the light's vibration is parallel to specific crystallographic directions. Thus, as light vibrates differently within these special Andalusite crystals, other energies and frequencies can also be present. Perhaps this explains its metaphysical belief as the stone of vision!
Despite being a relatively common aluminum silicate mineral, occurrences of euhedral crystals (well-formed habits), translucent crystals larger than 15 carats, and evident pleochroism are rare.
Currently, Brazil is the main source of rare Andalusite Viridines (due to the presence of manganese) with gemstone quality*, striated prismatic crystals, and strong pleochroism (both dominant pleochroic colors are distinctly visible), especially among green, pink, and brown. Rarer are bicolors, with twinning and crystal points.
This LAZZERINI-GEOJEWELLERY piece comes from the Itinga region of Minas Gerais, the most recognized source of these types of Andalusites in Brazil. Its metamorphic characteristics, based on very specific temperature and pressure, occurred over 1.5 billion years ago.
*EXTRA grade gemstone (beautiful dark green color, bicolor pinkish-brown, vitreous luster, translucent to transparent, evident pleochroism, and matrix >10%).
METAPHYSICS: Grounding, balance, harmony, releases blockages. Aids self-realization, self-awareness, and stress relief.
CHAKRA: Heart, Root.
ZODIAC: Virgo.
Unique and visually appealing, Andalusite's diverse color palette opens doors for its use in exclusive natural Geojewelry.