Andesine: Magical and Healing Effect, Zodiac signs, Chakras, Taking Care, Identifying Fake Andesine

What is Andesine:

Andesine (Andesine) belongs to the category of precious stones, but in wide circles it is little known. Nevertheless, its transparent crystals lend themselves well to faceting. Andesine have an excellent appearance, with optical effects, which are mainly polished into cabochons. It is worth noting that the price of such a natural stone is quite low. We will describe below what the properties of andesine are and how it affects representatives of various signs of the zodiac. 

The origin of the name is attributed to the Andes mountain system, where these minerals are found quite often. This mineral is very common, but crystals are rarely found for creating jewelry. Sometimes you come across very large crystals of this stone, reaching several tens of carats.

Colors of Andesine:

Andesine is a very hard mineral with good glass luster. It has the following shades:

  • white,
  • pinkish,
  • colorless,
  • yellowish,
  • red-orange,
  • grayish
  • light green

Where is Andesine Used:

Andesine is often used in jewelry making pendants, earrings, bracelets, pins, hairpins, cufflinks, rings and necklaces. Over the years, this mineral has gained great popularity, so products made from it are inexpensive and look original. This gem will suit any outfit and eye color.

Andesine – Labradorite, if handled carelessly, can become covered with fractures and cracks, so a setting for the stone is necessary. It is also worth remembering that inaccurate wiping of andesine can lead to a violation of the polished surface and to the appearance of scratches. When exercising in the gym, as well as when tidying up the house, jewelry should be removed to avoid damage. To clean gemstones, use a soft cloth and warm water. Store them separately by placing them in boxes with a fabric base.

Proper care will contribute to the long life of the andesine, its help to a person in everyday life.

Where is Andesine found:

To create jewelry, jewelers prefer to deal with andesine found in the Alps, USA. Where else is it mined? In Germany, Italy, Tibet, Australia and Canada. These are the territories where adularia is mined . Relatively recently, a new type of this stone was discovered – andesine – labradorite, deposits of which were found in Madagascar. Andesine is similar in appearance to tourmaline and ruby .

Andesine belongs to the plagioclase subgroup . The year of its discovery is considered to be 1841, when the geologist from Germany Otto Wilhelm Hermann von Abich described it in detail. This mineral contains two components: albite  (70-50%) + anorthite (30-50%), which together represent continuous miscibility. He has such typical impurities – potassium, barium, strontium.

The andesine mineral is easy to cut, therefore it is widely used in famous brands to create inexpensive but very attractive gems weighing several tens of carats.

A variety of gemstone is saccharit (glocker), which is a white, sugar-like dense aggregate. The presence of natural inclusions is present, mainly, rutile needles . Well-formed crystals are difficult to find. In nature, it can be found in the form of ordinary albite (polynthetic), pericline and Carlsbad twins.

History of Andesine:

Andesine is of magmatic, pegmatite, metamorphic, high-temperature hydrothermal origin. It is part of acidic rocks, basic, pegmatite, gneisses and shales, granites. The accompanying minerals are hornblende, quartz , olivine , biotite , magnetite , garnets  and topaz . The mountains of Tibet are famous for their beautiful red-orange crystals. In the process of cutting, stones of four and a half carats come out of them. Andesine is found in the deposits of Madagascar – labradorite of a snow-white color. It has the ability to dramatically increase the scattering of light, which is why it is called the “Madagascar rainbow moonstone”.

In India, they find an iridescent variety of andesite and a massive andesine jade of a greenish hue, which is used as a jewelry and ornamental stone. Large crystals (up to 1 cm) are found in the USA (California). They are found in the Alps in Italy, as well as Bodenmais (Bavaria, Germany).

Andesine is one of the main rock-forming minerals in anorthosites and andesites, which are used as facing stones. If large transparent crystals are found, then craftsmen make crafts from them. Feldspar glass, as well as porcelain, glaze, faience and enamel are made using andesine. If andesine is on the surface, then chemical weathering acts on it, in connection with which it becomes faded, rough, and its surface is enveloped in a whitish coating of hydromica and clay minerals. If this stone undergoes low-temperature hydrothermal alteration, it becomes like a mixture of sericite.

Physical Properties of the Andesine:

  • Chemical formula of andesine: (Na, Ca) [(Si, Al) 408].
  • Its hardness is 6-6.5; specific gravity – 2.66;
  • density – 2.7 g / cm3;
  • granularity – isometric or irregular;
  • shine – glass;
  • transparency – translucent or transparent;
  • molecular weight – 267.0 – 270.23;
  • refractive indices – Ng =, Nm = and Np;
  • fracture spheroidal, uneven.
  • The system is triclinic.
  • The fragility is strong, irregularities appear on the fractures.
  • The maximum birefringence is +0.008 – 0.010.
  • According to IMA classes – silicate, has the form of precipitation – granular mass of a continuous type, aggregates of a coarse crystalline type, somewhat less often – tabular or tabular-prismatic crystals.
  • Type – biaxial.

Gemstone Andesine-Labradorite

It belongs to the numerous family of feldspars  , popularly referred to as the sun or moonstone. They first learned about him in 2003. As a rule, it has an orange-reddish tint, interspersed with yellow and green. It compares favorably with other gemstones with a metallic sheen called labradorescence. If you look at this mineral from different angles, then it will constantly change its color. For a long time, there were many mysteries and legends around the origin of this mineral.

At the very beginning, andesine-labradorite was realized without improved color. It was found in the Andes (South America), hence its name. And labradorite was first found in Labrador. These minerals are quite similar in chemical composition, therefore, at first they were united by a single name “andesine”. Later, a hyphen was added between them. In the trade industry, this gem is called “Andesine”, “Red Labradorite”, “Sun Stone of the Congo” or “Red feldspar “.

What is Andesine-Labradorite:

Andesine – Labradorite is one of the most abundant minerals on earth. Of these, 60% is the earth’s crust. They contain aluminum, silicon dioxide, sodium, calcium and potassium oxides. The color scheme of this stone is dominated by a red hue with traces of yellow and green. But it can be red and honey-red, amber and yellowish, green and champagne. When viewed from different angles, it exhibits a metallic sheen that ranges from matte to glassy. Most of the andesines – labradorites are translucent or transparent. But there are also opaque specimens.

This gemstone comes in various shapes and cuts. Faceted cut predominates, less often – cabochon. What shape is this mineral usually cut into? Into the oval. Due to the fact that this stone is little known as precious, other forms, such as baguettes, pillows, pears, trillions and awnings, are difficult to find, since it is not very popular.

Andesine-Labradorite and Zodiac signs:

Sometimes called Andesine – Labradorite Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, Sunstone, Oregon Sunstone, Labradorite. It is believed that this gem is not related to any of the Planets, therefore, it cannot represent any of the signs of the Zodiac. Since this mineral was discovered only at the beginning of the 21st century, beliefs and legends do not contain any information about it. As for the effect on the body, it is believed that it is associated directly with the heart chakra.

How to wear Andesine-Labradorite:

It is recommended to wear it near the heart or in the palm of your hand, as it will positively affect the work of all human organs. It is believed that Andesine has unique properties and can cure many diseases, protects against stress, helps heal eyes, prevents diseases of internal organs, and can balance metabolism. Labradorite is able to smooth out negative reactions and direct a person’s thoughts in the right direction.

Healing and Magical Properties of Andesine-Labradorite:

This gem is a symbol of the Earth, therefore, by placing it on the ground, you can achieve deep meditation. The aura of the stone is so strong that it can strengthen human immunity, reduce pain, cure rheumatism and arthritis. This mineral is suitable for everyone and there are no people for whom it is contraindicated for wearing. For many, it is considered a talisman and amulet. Products with such a stone can be worn on the hand and it does not matter on which finger. This mineral is compatible with many gemstones.