Description
Chiastolite is a variety of andalusite, named for the characteristic cross in the cross-section of the chiastolite crystal. Because of this characteristic cross in the cross-section, chiastolite has been used since ancient times for making amulets. Chiastolite is known from the Fichtel Mountains in Germany. They have also been found in Santiago de Compostela in Spain, in Brittany in France, and in the French Pyrenees. They are rare in England, and chiastolite has been found in the Transbaikal region of Russia. Beautiful stones have been found near Bona in Algeria, as well as in various locations in Arizona, United States. The probably finest chiastolite stones are found in Bimbowrie, Australia. Recently, good stones have also been found in China.
