RED ANDESINE GEMSTONE
With a passionate cinnabar shade, red andesine is an exciting new addition to your gemstone collection. Copper diffusion creates the beautiful sorrel tones of red andesine. Natural gems rarely exhibit this color, making red andesine a great choice for any lover of bright, bold colors.
What are the Characteristics of Red Andesine?
The first thing anyone will notice about red andesine is its unique color. A striking shade of red burns from the center of this stone like a smoldering ember. It’s a brighter, more intense red than witnessed in other red gems, such as ruby or pyrope garnet.
Red andesine is an eye-clean stone. This is necessary, as the enhancement process quickly weeds out unworthy stones. Only the finest rough finds itself as finished, faceted gems. Gems are faceted into standard calibrated cuts, providing a broad range of options for any collector or gemstone lover.
Andesine is found in a wide variety of jewelry, including rings, earrings, bracelets, and pendants. Stones range up to several carats in size, and a Mohs hardness of six to six and a half makes if a good option for daily wear with its scratch resistance.
Consider red andesine if you love red and orange gemstones such as sunstone or goldstone.
Is Red Andesine Sunstone?
Both red andesine and sunstone are gemstones that belong to the feldspar group, which makes them related. From a cursory inspection, they also share several visual traits that may make them appear similar. Understanding of the differences, however, will help you appreciate each stone for its own unique merits.
Red andesine receives its color from copper. Most sunstone color is the result of hematite inclusions. The major exception is Oregon sunstone, which also receives its color from copper. In both stones, the copper and hematite provide the stone’s hue, ranging from orange to red-orange, to red.
In sunstones, the hematite or copper form microscopic reflective plates within the gem. This provides a sparkling schiller effect, also known as aventurescence. It makes the stone look glittery as you turn it and catch light upon it. Andesine typically won’t display this effect. When it does, it is very faint when compared to sunstone.
Is Red Andesine Treated?
Most modern gemstones undergo some form of treatment to help them look their best. Red andesine is no exception. It undergoes a process known as diffusion. In the case of red andesine, this enhancement introduces copper to the surface of the stone by heating, providing the ideal red coloration. Diffusion is a tricky process that requires careful monitoring. Treating the gemstones for too long can ruin them, turning them black. Not long enough and the stones will be pale lack appropriate saturation of color.
What is the Origin of the Word Andesine?
• The word andesine has its roots in German. Known as andesite in the language, the gemstone is named for the Andes mountain range of South America. Andesine was first discovered in Colombia in 1841. By 1842, mineralogists were referring to it as andesine.
What is the Andesine Controversy?
• In the early 2000’s, a large supply of red and green andesine flooded the jewelry market across the globe. It was initially advertised as natural and untreated andesine from the Congo. Skepticism from the jewelry industry and consumers lead to a lengthy investigation into this material. After careful analysis by many gem experts, it was determined that the Congolese andesine was enhanced material originating from China.
• The repercussions of this event rippled throughout the industry. Oregon andesine was primarily impacted, as it is the only confirmed source for natural, gem-quality andesine in red and green. Consumer trust at all levels was shaken in andesine, causing the market for the gem to plummet. Recent years have shown faith being restored in this amazing gemstone as it once again captures interest with its tantalizing color options.
• Shop LC will always willingly disclose the treatments of gemstones. Enhanced stones fill a vital niche in the market, providing opportunities to own many stones that would otherwise be difficult to acquire, or practically impossible to own.
GemGPS
Andesine only occurs in a few locations worldwide. It is a member of the large feldspar group, which includes gemstones like labradorite and moonstone. In fact, andesine is sometimes referred to andesine-feldspar. The only confirmed source of natural red andesine occurs in Oregon. It’s best to assume all other material is enhanced. Shop LC sources our supply of andesine rough from Madagascar and India.
How is Red Andesine Processed?
Before treatment, andesine rough is a colorless or pale yellow. Samples are carefully inspected before processing. Suitable rough will have few inclusions, as diffusion makes them more pronounced. The rough andesine will undergo treatment for several months, as the copper slowly penetrates the gemstone, providing a vibrant red color. After treatment, stones will be inspected before being sent for faceting and jewelry setting.
• Rank 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
• Red andesine is a cinnamon colored gemstone.
• Rough is sourced from Madagascar and India.
• Red andesine is diffusion treated to improve or introduce color.
• Red andesine may also be known as andesine-feldspar or red feldspar.