Andalusite var. Chiastolite (rare CA) Trimingham Coll.

Item Description

Mineral specimens of any variety from this old copper mining district are RARE. This is a very fine, large and tapered, terminated crystal of andalusite variety chiastolite, which is andalusite containng cross-shaped inclusions of carbon. The outer rind is oxidized from the embedded mica schist. The broken face shows the black cross of the carbon inclusions and the grooves and dark streaks on the sides show where the cross reaches the surface of the crystal. These crystals are often sectioned, polished and used as amulets, sometimes chiastolite is cut into cabochons (GEMDAT). Undoubtably old material, but no proof. Ex Bob Trimingham Collection. A MUST for the California or species collector.