China AA chiastolite bracelet (5-6mm balls)

The name chiastolite comes from the ancient Greek “kiastos” meaning “marked with a cross” and is pronounced “kiastolite”. However, according to other sources, it is said that chiastolite owes its name to the Latin “macula”, a term which translates to “stain”. This stone is also called “cross stone” or “andalusite” because of its appearance.

In fact, chiastolite is one of the most widespread species of andalusite. It stands out for its dark color, in an orange-brown crystal, and for its cross, formed by inclusions of carbon and clay, hence its Greek etymology.

During archaeological excavations on the Iberian Peninsula, remains of chiastolite were discovered. This suggests that this stone had been used for thousands of years. In the 18th century, this stone was described by José Torrubia, a Spanish Jesuit naturalist, in his encyclopedia. Furthermore, it is found in large quantities in northern Spain. José Torrubia then recounts that until the end of the 16th century, this stone was used as an amulet by pilgrims on the roads to Santiago de Compostela. In the past, chiastolite was known to ward off curses.

In Chile, chiastolite is the origin of various myths among the Mapuche Indians (meaning “People of the Earth”). This warrior people violently defended themselves during the attacks of the Incas, and then against those of the Spanish conquistadors. The latter wanted to capture them in order to make them their slaves. A chiastolite was attributed to the soul of each warrior killed by the Spanish.

During this battle, a young Spanish girl was captured by the Indians, who treated her with respect. Once at the camp, she learned to respect the customs of her captors, and then to appreciate them. As time passed, the young girl fell in love with a warrior of the tribe. They wanted to marry, but the entire tribe opposed this union.

Returning to camp after a battle, the young warrior was kidnapped by his tribesmen and held prisoner in a cave. The young Spanish woman was then told that he had died and that the body of her beloved was lying in the forest. She, in despair and crying all the tears in her body, went looking for him.

It is said that the girl's tears were transformed into chiastolite by the goddess Pachamama (goddess of Mother Earth), who was touched by her despair. This goddess is an important protective deity. She represents fertility, abundance, femininity and generosity. Then this miracle moved the rest of the tribe and a shaman was called to find out what Pachamama wanted. She ordered the two lovers to be reunited and let them marry. Thus, they could live their love in peace.

In 1798, Jean-Claude Delamétherie (1743-1817), a French naturalist, mineralogist and geologist, described in detail samples from Spain, which he named respectively andalusite and chiastolite. He was convinced that these samples originated from Andalusia, when in fact they had been found in Castile and had nothing to do with Andalusia.

Chiastolite belongs to the group of silicates. It is mainly composed of silicon dioxide, metal oxides such as aluminum, magnesium or sodium. It has a hardness of 7.5 on the Mohs scale, and also offers high thermal resistance. Thanks to this property, this stone is frequently found in the metallurgical industries.

The main deposits are in China, Australia, Canada, Belgium, France, Russia, etc.

Chiastolite stone facilitates introspection and helps to discover the blockages at the origin of our fears, sometimes buried since birth. It allows to have a good knowledge of oneself.

During changes in life, it helps to make the right decisions and to look to the future with serenity. It removes fears, which can be a hindrance to personal development. It helps to make difficult choices.

It is known to soothe and calm the nerves. It relieves nervous tension caused by stress, alleviating muscle contractures and cramps. It has regenerative properties that promote recovery during great physical and mental fatigue.

This stone is a soothing stone, which regulates emotional excesses. It provides balance between the various emotions. It calms fears, keeps away anxieties and negative feelings.

A magnificent stone of harmony, chiastolite balances emotions and removes feelings of guilt. It gives self-confidence and offers a beautiful assurance. Thus, it provides serenity, allowing one to overcome life's difficulties.