Andesine Stone: Properties, Benefits & Meanings
Andesine Stone Overview
Andesine stone is one of the most popular gems in the world. It has a beautiful natural color and many extraordinary properties.
The Andesine stone is also known as the Andesite of Dana, Sodic Plagioclase, and Andesin.
This article will discuss the Andesine stone’s history, properties, and various colors and meanings.
What is Andesine?
Andesine stone is a member of the plagioclase feldspars solid solution series. It has similar chemical properties to albite (the most common form of plagioclase). Andesine’s chemical formula is (Na, Ca)[Al(Si, Al)Si2O8], where Ca/(Ca + Na) (% anorthite) ranges from 30–50%.
It has a lovely reddish pink, red-pink, orange or green color but is soft and prone to cracking under pressure.
Andesine is composed of 50-70% albite (sodium aluminum silicate) and 30-50% anorthite (calcium aluminum silicate).
Where does the name Andesine come from?
The name is for the Andes Mountains of South America due to the abundance of lavas in those mountains.
Andesine was first mentioned in 1841 for an occurrence in the Marmato mine, Marmato, Cauca, Chocó Department, Colombia.
How to say Andesine?
The word Andesine is pronounced “AN-dess-een.”
Where does Andesine stone Occur?
Andesine is often found in intermediate igneous rocks such as diorite, syenite, and andesite. It’s also present in metamorphic granulites-amphibolites that have an antiperthitic texture.
This substance is found in small quantities as detritus in sedimentary rocks. It is closely related to Quartz, Potassium, and Magnetite.
Fake Andesine Controversy
The Asian treaters’ mass production of low-cost, attractive red and green gems—made by dipping pale feldspar in a copper solution—flooded the market with gemstones that destabilized the value of Andesine. Fake Andesine was also produced by artificially enhancing Labradorite through a similar method of lattice diffusion.
Although it was initially touted as “red andesine” and supposed to be from mines in Congo or Tibet, this material turned out to have been treated—but the ensuing scandal brought public distrust of natural copper-bearing feldspar.
Andesine has been on the market for over 20 years. But its authenticity was questionable since no credible reports confirmed whether it was mined from Congo.
Although some claim the original gemstones from Congo as naturally colored, most of what is on offer today has been artificially treated. A class action lawsuit has been filed against one of the companies that popularized gemstones by diffusing them, claiming they were natural.
Many faceted gems are identified by their owners as a type of feldspar, but identifying the exact species is difficult because they lack the instrumentation needed to pin down their identity. This identification process can be done with optical and X-ray analysis.
Where can Andesine stone be found?
Andesine can be found in many countries worldwide, including:
What are the Physical Properties of Andesine stone?
The physical properties of Andesine stone are as follows:
| Mineral Group | Feldspar |
| Formula | (Na, Ca)[Al(Si, Al)Si2O8] |
| Color | Red, Orange |
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 6 – 6.5 |
| Refractive Index | 1.543 – 1.564 |
| Cleavage Quality | Perfect |
| Crystal System | Triclinic |
| Tenacity | Brittle |
| Transparency | Transparent, Translucent |
What is the typical appearance of Andesine stone?
Crystals are translucent to transparent, and polysynthetic twinning is ubiquitous. Andesine stone is a vitreous mineral that can occasionally be found with a dull luster. It has perfect cleavage, and the color varies from red and honey-red to orange, yellow, champagne, and, rarely, green.
Andesine stone is a Triclinic mineral belonging to the tectosilicate minerals group.
Raw Andesine stone, once polished and cut, has a lustrous appearance. Unprocessed, the stone is rough to touch with no shine at all. Although these feldspars are rare in gem form, they occur worldwide in various rock types and environments. But transparent crystals are usually challenging to come by.
Andesine stone from the Democratic Republic of Congo has been claimed to show an “Alexandrite effect,” alternating colors depending on the light source.
Under incandescent light, the Andesine stone from China changes color and becomes less transparent. The loss of transparency appears to be associated with scattering—in which the incident beam is broken up into individual rays that reach our eye individually rather than as a coherent beam.
Andesine stone Cost and Value
The value of Andesine stone will depend on its size, quality, color, and transparency. The best stones are found in the Democratic Republic of Congo and China.
- Size: Price increases drastically with an increase in size as larger stones are harder to find and more difficult to cut. Gems with a larger carat size are significantly more expensive than the smaller specimen.
- Quality: Quality is determined by the number of inclusions and imperfections in the gemstone. Clarity is also essential when determining the quality of an Andesine.
- Color: The color of the Andesine influences its value as well. The most valuable Andesine stone is one having a deep red color.
- Transparency: Transparency is essential when determining value as it allows you to see the stone’s internal beauty.
- Cut: The cut of a gemstone also affects its price. As with all fine jewelry, the quality of the amount determines how beautiful and valuable it will be. The cut can make a massive difference in the price of specific stones.
How can you tell if an Andesine stone is Real or Not?
People often confuse Andesine with the more expensive gem, Oregon Sunstone. You can use the following tests to determine the genuineness of any gemstone:
- Color: Check the color for vibrancy and monotony. If it’s monotonous and lacks depth, it is likely fake. Look for natural color changes, which are most common in the center of the stone.
- Acetone Test: Do an acetone test. Soak in acetone for a few minutes to see if the color comes off. If it does, then it’s likely fake.
- Transparency: Check transparency. Opaque stones are usually fake.
- Check for inclusions: Inclusions are natural flaws in the rock. If you look closely at your gemstone, you should be able to find them. They will be small and irregularly shaped. If there are none, then it is probably fake.
- Scratch Test: Do a scratch test. Kitchen knives shouldn’t leave a mark on hard stones with a rating of 6-7 or higher. Andesine stone has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 and does not have cleavage as a quartz variety.
Andesine stone Chakra Connection
Which Chakra does the Andesine stone Symbolize?
- Andesine is associated with the solar plexus chakra, which can help clear this area of energy blockages. It can also bring in new energy and lightness, which will help to improve your self-esteem.
- Andesine stone is also associated with the throat chakra, located at the base of your neck. The throat chakra is linked to communication and expression; it also helps us to speak our truth in a way that others can understand. This Chakra is also associated with our voice, so it’s easy to see why Andesine can help you to find yours.
- Andesine stone is also believed to open up the heart chakra and can help you to find love and compassion for yourself and others. The heart chakra is situated in the center of your chest, between your breasts. This Chakra is linked to unconditional love, compassion, and balance.
What does the Andesine stone Symbolize?
Andesine symbolizes the following:
Andesine stone Uses
Andesine has the following uses:
- The primary usage of Andesine stone is in the jewelry industry for making jewelry, such as rings, bracelets, beads, earrings, pendants, and necklaces.
- Andesine is also used as an ornamental stone in the same way that other quartz varieties are. It can be polished and carved into beautiful art pieces, adding value to any home or garden. It is often used as an ornamental stone for landscaping, as it has a lovely color that makes it suitable for many different environments. It is also commonly used as a decorative stone in home construction projects and renovations to add elegance and beauty to your space.
- Andesine stone is also used in crystal healing to cleanse negative energy from your life.
- It’s been said that Andesine is a stone of abundance, so it can be used for manifesting your wishes and desires into reality. It aids you in focusing on what you want to achieve and gives you the courage to go after it.
- It is also used for healing on a spiritual level. It can help you connect with your higher self, allowing you to see what is holding you back from achieving your goals.
- It can also help you let go of those obstacles and move forward in your life. Andesine is an excellent stone for spiritual protection, as it helps to shield you from negative energy and entities that may be trying to interfere with your life.
- Andesine stone has been used as an energy enhancer to help combat mental fatigue and stress relief. It carries few to no side effects, making it a great natural alternative for people who want to boost their energy levels naturally.
- Andesine is a beautiful stone to carry with you, as it will help you stay grounded when you feel overwhelmed or stressed out. It can also be used to promote creativity, allowing you to think outside the box and get inspired.
- Andesine is a stone that can help you to overcome negativity, allowing you to see the silver lining in every situation. This makes Andesine an excellent stone for people going through a hard time or trying to find their way back on track after being off course for some time.
- Andesine stone will also help you to see your worth and recognize that everyone deserves love and respect.
How to clean Andesine stone Jewelry?
You can follow these simple steps to keep your Andesine stone jewelry in good condition:
- Soak in lukewarm soapy water for 15 – 30 minutes until the dirt and stains loosen up.
- Please remove any remaining residues with a soft toothbrush until it appears spotless.
- Use a gentle dishwasher detergent or baby shampoo solution in case the stains do not come off. You can also use baking soda as an alternative to dishwasher detergent.
- Wipe the crystal with a microfiber cloth until it is smooth and lustrous.
- Cleanse it using burning sage to remove any negativity absorbed, which can negatively impact the surroundings.
- Recharge it using the moon’s light or burying it underground, whichever method suits you.
Be sure to cleanse the Andesine stone before you use it. It will help you stay energized and keep negative energies at bay.
Andesine should be protected from household chemicals and extreme heat exposure, which may cause damage or alterations in coloration. Most ultrasonic cleaners and steamers are safe to use, but it’s recommended that you do so with caution. Andesine stone jewelry is stored in a fabric-lined container.
FAQ
What other crystals can be paired with Andesine?
In general, Andesine pairs well with most other crystals. For example, it works exceptionally well with Amethyst, Ruby, Rose Quartz, Citrine, Smokey Quartz, and Clear Quartz. It compliments the color and properties of green gemstones like Emeralds, Aventurine, etc.
As a red gemstone, Andesine is used as a replacement for more expensive stones such as Ruby or Spinel.
How can Andesine be charged?
Andesine can be charged by placing it in the sun or moonlight. You can also set it near a salt lamp or Feng Shui water fountain.
Is Andesine safe to use during pregnancy?
Yes, Andesine is safe to use during pregnancy. However, always consult a doctor before using any new supplement or gemstone.
Can Andesine stone be used for divination purposes?
Yes, Andesine stone is often used for divination, healing, and meditation. For example, you can use it in crystal grids or pendulums to connect with your ancestors or spirit guides.
