|
Chemical formula
|
Al 2 OSiO 5 |
|
Crystalline system
|
orthorhombic |
|
Class
|
Silicate |
| Origin | Bushveld, South Africa |
| Size |
Medium: 3.00-4.00 cm Large: 4.00-5.00 cm |
Massive Andalusite from South Africa.
This mineral is part of many metamorphic rocks, in which it does not always crystallize visibly. In its crystallization it stands out for the shapes of prismatic crystals with a square base, or rounded crystals, columnar masses, radial or granular aggregates.
The crystals can be of considerable size, although those with gem character are rare and small.
The vast majority of the andalusite obtained in the world is used to produce refractory materials for the steel and metallurgical industries, cement factories, furnaces and crucibles. It is also part of many rocks used in construction and, with a smaller part of the production, thermal insulators, high-quality earthenware, spark plugs for ignition and paving tiles are manufactured.
The piece you receive may differ slightly from the photo shown as the minerals are natural and no piece is identical. The size is approximate.