Chiastolite
is a variety of Andalusite containg well-formed
cross-shaped, or X-shaped inclusions of carbon that make the crystals very distinct
and cabochons quite attractive. This cross shape is
caused by crystal twinning and is common in some metamorphic rocks. Because
of the impurities it contains, Chiastolite has a lower
hardness and density than other varieties of Andalusite.
Distribution:
In Australia: New South Wales, Queensland and South
Australia. Bio-Bio Region, Chile. Hunan Province, China.
Pontivy, Morbihan, Brittany, France. Viana do Castelo District, Portugal.
In Spain: Doiras, Boal, Asturias; Castile and Leon;
Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain; Tuckingmill, Camborne, Camborne - Redruth - St Day District, Cornwall, England, UK;
Glenderaterra Valley, Threlkeld District, North and Western Region (Cumberland), Cumbria, England, UK.
In the USA: Coldwater Canyon
Chiastolite locality, End of La Altura Road roadcut, Coldwater Canyon,
Beverly Hills, Santa Monica Mts, Los Angeles County, California; Mount Buckingham Group
(Crown Point; Vanderbilt; Sunset III), Mariposa, Bagby-Mariposa-Mount
Bullion-Whitlock District, Mariposa County, California; Inyo Mts (Inyo Range), Mono County, California;
Camden, Knox County, Maine; Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
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