Chiastolite

Chiastolite is just a variety of Andalusite containg well-formed cross-shaped, or X-shaped inclusions of carbon which make the crystals very distinct and cabochons quite attractive. This shape that is cross triggered by crystal twinning and is common in some metamorphic stones. Due to the impurities it contains, Chiastolite features a lower density and hardness than other varieties of Andalusite.

Distribution: In Australia: Brand New South Wales, Queensland and Southern Australia. Bio-Bio Region, Chile. Hunan Province, China. Pontivy, Morbihan, Brittany, France. Viana do Castelo District, Portugal. In Spain: Doiras, Boal, Asturias; Castile and Leon; Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain; Tuckingmill, Camborne, Camborne – Redruth – St Day District, Cornwall, England, UK; Glenderaterra Valley, Threlkeld District, North and region that is westernCumberland), Cumbria, England, UK. In the USA: Coldwater Canyon Chiastolite locality, End of La Altura path roadcut, Coldwater Canyon, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica Mts, Los Angeles County, California; Mount Buckingham Group (Crown Point; Vanderbilt; Sunset III), Mariposa, Bagby-Mariposa-Mount Bullion-Whitlock District, Mariposa County, California; Inyo Mts (Inyo Range), Mono County, Ca; Camden, Knox County, Maine; Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts