1.9" Fluorescent Chiastolite Andalusite - Kola Peninsula, Russia

This is chiastolite, a variety of andalusite that often features a distinctive cross-shaped association of chiastolite and graphite. It's debated as to how exactly it forms, however it's widely accepted that the shape is a result of impurities at the corners of the rapidly forming andalusite crystals.

These cross-shaped specimens have been collected for hundreds of years, with chiastolite being distributed throughout Europe in the 1600's by pilgrims as an amulet/souvenir, upon their return from Santiago de Compostela, Spain. These specimens would have come from Asturias, Spain, a site that produces an abundance of chiastolite.

One edge of this specimen has been cut flat. Under short-wave UV light, the chiastolite fluoresces orange.

Andalusite var. Chiastolite
Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Murmanskaja Oblast, Northern Region, Russia
1.9" Wide