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Andesine Labradorite
'A rose by any other name.'
This rosy colored gemstone has a somewhat mysterious and in many ways dubious past. It has been sold under various names such as andesine, Congo sunstone, red labradorite, red feldspar until finally Andesine-Labradorite was chosen as the correct term.
Andesine Labradorite Colors
Andesine-Labradorite is usually a reddish color. The red tones can range from yellow to orange to honey-red and can feature amber to champagne and even green tints. Andesine-Labradorite can also have a metallic schiller when viewed from different angles.
Read more about Gemstone Colors here
Andesine Labradorite Species
Andesine is a member of the plagioclase feldspar group which is a mixture of albite and anorthite minerals, with andesine-labradorite being 50-70% albite and 30-50% anorthite.
There are a number of other feldspars which can also be made into gemstones – some with similar dazzling phenomena:
- Labradorite – The northern lights trapped in a stone
- Sunstone - Colorful metallic flakes glitter from within.
- Spectrolite – A high quality labradorite form Finland
- Rainbow Moonstone – A gemstone with a blue glow
- Moonstone – An ethereal gemstone with liquid looking surface
What are the spiritual benefits of Andesine Labradorite?
Andesine Labradorite has only been known to us for a couple of decades so it has not built up any lore surrounding its spiritual powers. We can only assume it shares some of the strengths of its close feldspar relatives:
Its other attributes include:
- Increases self-esteem
- Brings enthusiasm
- Stimulates creativity
- Manifestation
See our detailed article on gemstone meaning and uses
Andesine Labradorite and the Chakras
Chakras are energy centers located around the body which can influence our well-being physically and emotionally. Each Chakra is linked to a color and if a Chakra gets blocked a gemstone of the matching color can help to realign it.
Andesine-Labradorite is often linked to the Heart Chakra but I feel it could just as easily be of benefit to the Root Chakra and the Sacral Chakra. Andesine-Labradorite undergoes treatment to enhance its natural color so we cannot rely on its appearance to match up with a Chakra but in its natural state it is often a rusty or orange color.
Find more details on Chakra gemstones here
Andesine Labradorite Price
The price of gemstones tends to be determined by the color, clarity and size with the quality of the cutting also playing a major part.
With Andesine-Labradorite, a strong red color is most valued and coupled with excellent clarity they can reach upwards of $30 or $40 per carat. Good clarity gemstones with a golden color will be a little bit cheaper at around $20 per carat while translucent stones with a good red tone will be $10 - $15 per carat.
Totally untreated Andesine-Labradorite with excellent clarity and a carat weight above 5 to 10 carats are a stunning and rare gemstone that can fetch very high prices – hundreds if not thousands of dollars per carat – but must be approached with caution. Only buy from a very trusted source.
Andesine Labradorite Treatments
Andesine-Labradorite have a very controversial past so as a precaution, all of the gemstones are described as 'diffused', reinforcing our guarantee of full disclosure of any enhancements made to our gemstones.
Through the process of lattice diffusion, copper-bearing agents enhance labradorite colors from a dull gray to a reddish hue and can also improve the clarity. Labradorite is a natural gemstone, but it is through color-enhancing treatment that labradorite becomes andesine-labradorite.
Many stones are claimed to be 'heated' only, and there are claims of untreated specimens, but we would recommend approaching these very expensive items with caution. If you ever see 'untreated' Andesine-Labradorite without a hefty price tag you can be almost certain they are falsely labeled.
Andesine Labradorite History
Andesine was first described in the mid-18th century in South America and named after the famous Andes mountain range. In 2003, red Andesine from the Congo appeared on the market as a natural untreated gemstone but the origins and the enhancing treatments were shrouded in mystery.
The gemstone was discovered to not be 'andesine' at all but an enhanced variety of labradorite so, in an attempt to correct any deception, it has been renamed Andesine-Labradorite.
Where is Andesine Labradorite found?
The sources of Andesine-Labradorite remains a little uncertain and the Congo, China, Mongolia, Tibet and India have all claimed to be the true origin.
What jewelry is Andesine Labradorite suitable for?
Andesine Labradorite gemstones are rated at 6 - 6.5 on Mohs hardness scale which means they are hard enough for most types of jewelry. They tend to be cut into faceted oval shapes which are ideal for earrings, pendants and brooches and make an excellent affordable alternative to rubies, spinels and other red gemstones. Care should be taken if used for rings.
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- Andesine Labradorite Info
- Birthstones and Anniversary Gemstones
- Gemstone Hardness Explained
- Precious and Semi-Precious Gemstone Glossary
- Gemstone Treatments
- Refractive Index Chart
- Gemstone Cleavage
- Labradorite Iridescence
- The Mystery of Andesine
- Gemstone Appraisals
- Art Deco Jewelry
- Beaded Gem Bracelets
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