Andalusite var: Chiastolite

Item Description

A hard to find specimen of Chiastolite - a variety of Andalusite - from Caminha, Portugal. This is the only specimen of Andalusite we've ever seen from this locality. Chiastolite specimens are essentially crystals of Andalusite contain cross-shaped inclusions of carbon, and are often sliced (like this piece) to show the crystal form better. If you collect Portuguese minerals or if you've always wanted a piece of this attractive and relatively hard to find material, don't miss out on this one. From the collection of Vasco Trancoso, a medical doctor and prominent mineral collector from near Lisbon, Portugal (https://www.mindat.org/user-11954.html). He assembled his mineral collection over the course of 60 years, and built a fine worldwide display collection that we recently purchased. This piece is pictured on mindat.org at https://www.mindat.org/photo-198285.html