CHIASTOLITE SPECIMENS
Chiastolite is a variety of andalusite that often features a distinctive cross-shaped association of chiastolite and graphite. It's debated as to how exactly it forms, but it's widely accepted that its shape is caused by impurities at the corners of the rapidly forming andalusite crystals.
These cross-shaped specimens have been collected for hundreds of years: pilgrims distributed it throughout Europe in the 1600s as an amulet/souvenir upon their return from Santiago de Compostela, Spain. These specimens would have come from Asturias, Spain, a site that produces an abundance of chiastolite.
These cross-shaped specimens have been collected for hundreds of years: pilgrims distributed it throughout Europe in the 1600s as an amulet/souvenir upon their return from Santiago de Compostela, Spain. These specimens would have come from Asturias, Spain, a site that produces an abundance of chiastolite.