Mineral Specimen and Product Inventory Search

Availability

Sold

Locality

Lancaster, Worcester Co., Massachusetts, United States

Formula

Al₂OSiO₄

Size

10 x 6 x 3.5 cm - Cabinet

Chiastolite is a variety of Andalusite containg graphite inclusions giving it the cross patterns. As the Andalusite forms during metamorphism, the graphite aligns in cross-shaped patterns. Indeed this specimen consist of mostly graphitic schist.

This specimen was aquired by Hampson in 1944. The cross-sections are polished cuts in the andalusite to expose the crystals.