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Gems
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Andalusite
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Color:
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Orangey brown and a yellowish green or gold.
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Andalusite is named after Andalusia, the province of Spain where it was first discovered. Andalusite is pleochroic, different colors in different directions. When cutting most pleochroic gemstones, such as iolite and tanzanite, the trick is to minimize the pleochroism and maximize the single best color. Andalusite is the opposite: cutters try to orient the gem to get a pleasing mix of colors: orangey brown and a yellowish green or gold. When they succeed, andalusite looks unlike any other gemstones, with patterns of color dancing around the facets. The best color play is seen in fancy shapes, particularly rectangular cushion shapes: in round cuts, the colors blend together. Andalusite is mined in Brazil and Sri Lanka..
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