Chiastolite
A variety of andalusite with distinctive cross-shaped graphite inclusions.
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Chiastolite is a variety of the mineral andalusite (Al2SiO5) distinguished by cross-shaped black graphite inclusions. These crosses led to its use as a gem and its historical distribution as an amulet or souvenir by pilgrims returning from Santiago de Compostela in Spain. In older mineralogy texts it was called lapis crucifer or lapis cruciatur, meaning cross stone.
Quick Facts
- Variety of
- andalusite
- Notable inclusion
- graphite crosses
- Historical name
- lapis crucifer or lapis cruciatur
- First figure published
- 1648 in Laet's De Gemmis et Lapidibus
- Other occurrence
- Georgetown
- California
- US
Facts from the source article.
More in Minerals & Crystals
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Chiastolite (CC BY-SA 4.0).
- Word definitions: the Codexery glossary, each quoted from its Wikipedia article.
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