68 - Andalusite

Hello friends, Welcome to the Mineral Repository at the department of geology, Shivaji science college, Nagpur. I am Andalusite, my name honors the Spanish region of Andalusia, where I was first discovered. My unique characteristic lies in my striking pleochroism, which means I display different colors when viewed from different angles. You might see me as green, brown, or even reddish-brown, showcasing my versatility. In India, I have found my home in the states of Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. The Malkangiri district in Odisha has been a particularly fruitful ground for my presence, along with the Tikamgarh and Chhatarpur districts in Madhya Pradesh. My uses are as diverse as my colors. I am highly prized as a refractory material, meaning I can withstand high temperatures without melting. This makes me valuable in the production of ceramics, especially those used in kilns and furnaces. Additionally, my presence in the jewelry industry is growing, as I am being appreciated for my unique beauty in gemstone form. Some also use me in the manufacturing of glass, due to my ability to increase its resistance to thermal shock. Thank you for visiting.