Andesine
| Colour | Red, Orange, Green |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 6 – 6.5 |
| Lustre | Subvitreous to pearly |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Triclinic |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Cleavage | Perfect on {001}, good on {010} |
| Fracture | Uneven to conchoidal |
| Chemical formula | (Ca,Na)(Al,Si) 4 O 8 (Na:Ca = 50:50 to 70:30) |
| Specific gravity | 2.66 – 2.68 |
What is Andesine?
Andesine is a silicate mineral, a member of the plagioclase feldspar solid solution series. Its chemical formula is (Ca, Na)(Al, Si)4O8, where the ratio of albite to anorthite (Na:Ca) is 50:50 to 70:30. The formula may be written as Na0.5-0.7Ca0.3-0.5Al1.3-1.5Si2.5-2.7O8.
How to identify Andesine
- Lustre: Subvitreous to pearly.
- Hardness: Mohs 6 – 6.5 — about as hard as a steel knife.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Triclinic crystal system.
Andesine in different forms
Stones often confused with Andesine
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Andesine?
Andesine is Mohs 6 – 6.5 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Andesine?
Andesine is typically red, orange, green (White, gray, green, yellow, flesh-red).