AllMineralsRock
Andesine
Andesine is a popular gemstone composed of sodium calcium aluminum silicate. [1]
Andesine: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Andesine:- Transparency: Andesine can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, andesine is triclinic.
- Luster: In terms of luster, andesine is vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Andesine streaks white.
- Hardness: Andesine's hardness ranges from 6 to 6.5 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Andesine's specific gravity ranges from 2.65 to 2.69.
Andesine: Background and Summary
Andesine is a mineral that belongs to the plagioclase feldspar group. It is usually found in volcanic rocks, particularly in andesitic lavas and volcanic breccias. Andesine is a silicate mineral that is composed of calcium, sodium, and aluminum. Its chemical formula is (Ca,Na)(Al,Si)4O8. Andesine has a hardness of 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale, and its specific gravity is 2.65-2.75. It has a white to gray-white color, but it can also be pink, yellow, green, or brown.To identify andesine, look for a mineral that has a white to gray-white color and a vitreous luster. It has a cleavage that is nearly perfect in two directions that intersect at an angle of about 86 degrees. Andesine also has a striated surface that is perpendicular to its cleavage. It can be distinguished from other feldspar minerals by its chemical composition and optical properties.
Andesine has several uses in the jewelry industry. It is used as a gemstone and is popular in the production of beads, cabochons, and other decorative items. Andesine is also used as a building stone and as an ornamental stone. It is used in the construction of buildings, monuments, and other structures. Andesine is also used as a source of aluminum and calcium in the production of glass, ceramics, and other materials.
Andesine: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Andesine (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 |
| Chemical Composition | sodium calcium aluminum silicate |
| Specific Gravity | 2.65, 2.69 |
| Hardness | 6, 6.5 |
| Streak | white |
| Crystallography | triclinic |
| Refractive Index | 1.543, 1.551 |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: red less common: gray, pink, green, white, orange, yellow, gold, multicolor |
| Category | plagioclase |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.009 |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Andesine: FAQ
FAQs:Q: Is andesine a rare mineral?
A: Andesine is not considered a rare mineral, but high-quality specimens can be difficult to find.
Q: Can andesine be found in the United States?
A: Yes, andesine can be found in several locations in the United States, including Colorado, Montana, and Oregon.
Q: Is andesine a valuable gemstone?
A: Andesine can be a valuable gemstone, particularly if it has a high-quality color and clarity. However, there have been controversies in the past regarding the treatment of andesine to enhance its color, which has affected its value.
Sources
- Mindat.org. Andesine. https://www.mindat.org/min-236.html- Geology.com. Andesine. https://geology.com/minerals/andesine.shtml
- Gem Society. Andesine Value, Price, and Jewelry Information. https://www.gemsociety.org/article/andesine-jewelry-and-gemstone-information/
- Andesine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andesine
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