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Chemical formula
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Al 2 OSiO 5 |
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Crystalline system
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orthorhombic |
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Class
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Silicate |
| Origin | Bushveld, South Africa |
| Size | 2.0-3.0cm |
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 granulated 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 mineral includes a label with the name and origin and is attached to a cardboard box. 4 cm square.
*The price is per unit (a single cardboard box of the four shown in the photo)
Since the minerals are natural, you will receive a piece similar to the one in the photograph. The minerals come in cardboard boxes and are glued to a porex base with hot silicone; these can be removed using ethyl alcohol without damaging the mineral. The size is approximate.