By Chisom Ibemere
Andesine is a new gemstone that originated in 1841 in the Andes Mountains in South America, where it’s name was gotten.
The stone was not recognized officially until 2003. It was recognized as a semi-precious gemstone due to its attractive colors and affordability compared to other gemstones.
Andesine can be seen in numerous locations across the globe including the Andes Mountains of South America (Chile), the Labrador region of Canada, and parts of the United States (New York, Oregon, and California). It occurs in volcanic rocks and is often found in association with other minerals.
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Andesine is primarily used as a gemstone for jewelry and can be cut into faceted gemstones or used as beads in necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. It has unique colors which ranges from red to orange, yellow, and green, making it an attractive choice for jewelry designs.
The most valued colour of Andesine has vivid red that resembles the red hues of high-quality sunsets. It can also show colours of orange, yellow, and green colors. It has a Mohs hardness of 6 to 6.5, which makes it relatively durable for everyday jewelry wear. It should be handled with care to prevent scratching or damage.
Andesine is a feldspar mineral and is part of the plagioclase feldspar group, which also includes other gemstones like labradorite and moonstone. Its color is due to the presence of trace elements within the crystal structure.
The value of Andesine gemstones can vary depending on several factors, including color, clarity, size, and overall quality. The most valuable Andesine gemstones are those with intense red hues and minimal visible inclusions. With the proper identification and grading, Andesine can be an attractive and affordable gemstone option for jewelry enthusiasts.
