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Andesine
Andesine is tectosilicate (plagioclase feldspar), (Na,Ca)(Al,Si)₄O₈ (An₃₀ to ₅₀). In the hand, it rates 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, and it runs red and orange-red. A mid-series plagioclase feldspar, in shops almost always seen as suspiciously vivid red faceted stones with feldspar's cleavage flash.
The geology.
Andesine carries the formula (Na,Ca)(Al,Si)₄O₈ (An₃₀ to ₅₀). It belongs to the triclinic system. It is classified as tectosilicate (plagioclase feldspar).
It sits at 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads vitreous. Light behaviour is transparent to translucent. Specific gravity runs 2.66 to 2.68. The streak is white. It breaks with two cleavages near 90°.
A mid-series plagioclase feldspar, in shops almost always seen as suspiciously vivid red faceted stones with feldspar's cleavage flash.
You will most often meet it as faceted 'red andesine', tumbled or rough fragments.
The origins.
Named for Andes lavas; gem-trade 'red andesine' is overwhelmingly copper-diffused pale Asian feldspar, a major 2000s gem scandal.
On value, the database notes: affordable; natural untreated material is the rarity.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, andesine has little established lore; sellers borrow sunstone's vitality themes for it.
People buy on this language, so it belongs on the page. It belongs under the facts, though, not over them.
Spotting the real thing.
A mid-series plagioclase feldspar, in shops almost always seen as suspiciously vivid red faceted stones with feldspar's cleavage flash.
Assume red or green andesine is copper-diffusion treated unless certificated natural, undisclosed treatment defined this stone's history.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Oregon sunstone | Genuine red Oregon sunstone carries visible copper platelet 'schiller'; treated red andesine is evenly red without spangles |
| Red glass | Glass has bubbles and no cleavage flash |
| Garnet | Garnet is heavier, harder, and never shows cleavage planes |
At-home tests.
You can run every one of these at a kitchen table. Good light matters more than gear when you are looking at andesine.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| By eye | Cleavage flash confirms feldspar |
| By eye | Even cherry-red color with no schiller suggests diffusion treatment |
| Scratch check | Scratches glass with effort |
Anything that scratches, burns or dissolves the piece is a lab job. Get it appraised rather than testing it apart.
Care & handling.
At 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale it handles careful wear but scratches against quartz and dust. Store it separately and take rings off before rough work.
It breaks with two cleavages near 90°, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Warm water and a soft cloth clean almost everything. Ultrasonic tanks, steamers and household cleaners are where pieces get ruined.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is (Na,Ca)(Al,Si)₄O₈ (An₃₀ to ₅₀). Crystal system: Triclinic. Specific gravity: 2.66 to 2.68. Streak: White. Cleavage and fracture: Two cleavages near 90°.
How it reaches the market
Named for Andes lavas; gem-trade 'red andesine' is overwhelmingly copper-diffused pale Asian feldspar, a major 2000s gem scandal.
What it gets confused with
Oregon sunstone: Genuine red Oregon sunstone carries visible copper platelet 'schiller'; treated red andesine is evenly red without spangles. Red glass: Glass has bubbles and no cleavage flash. Garnet: Garnet is heavier, harder, and never shows cleavage planes.
What it is worth
Affordable; natural untreated material is the rarity.
Where buyers get caught
Assume red or green andesine is copper-diffusion treated unless certificated natural, undisclosed treatment defined this stone's history.
One more thing
The 'Tibetan red andesine' story collapsed under investigation, most red stones proved to be lab-diffused Mongolian feldspar, one of modern gemology's biggest scandals.
An education-first guide.
No product links here. We do not sell andesine, and a guide that only covers our own shelves would not be much of a guide.
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