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Chiastolite

General Information
A variety or type of:Andalusite
Chemical Formula
Al
 
2
SiO
 
5
Michael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth edition (2006)
Physical Properties of Chiastolite
Mohs Hardness7.5
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
Specific Gravity3.00 to 3.15
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
Cleavage QualityDistinct
Ulrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)
Optical Properties of Chiastolite
Refractive Index1.627 to 1.645
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
Optical CharacterBiaxial/-
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
Birefringence0.007 to 0.013
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
Colour
Colour (General)Dark cross-like pattern
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
TransparencyTranslucent,Opaque
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
LustreVitreous
Arthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Crystallography of Chiastolite
Crystal SystemOrthorhombic
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
HabitSquare prisms
Arthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Further Information
Mineral information:Chiastolite information at mindat.org
Significant Gem Localities
Australia
 
  • South Australia
    • Olary Province
      • Bimbowrie Conservation Park
Gems, Sixth Edition, Michael O’Donoghue, 2006, p. 381
USA
 
  • California
Gems, Sixth Edition, Michael O’Donoghue, 2006, p. 382
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