By P.J.Joseph
No one is wise at all times.
-Pliny The Elder, Natural History
Chapter 1
Andalusite
One evening a banker telephoned the compassionate boss for an appointment. The compassionate boss came forward, welcomed the banker politely and offered him a chair; the precious assistants glanced at him knowingly.
The banker looked at the plaque and paused.
“Sir, I bought a unique colored stone in Sri Lanka,” the banker said smiling sweetly. “The moment I saw the stone, I fell in love with it immediately. It was spontaneous.”
“When you fall in love with colored stones,” the compassionate boss remarked, “you become part of nature. You may want to thank god for the unique opportunity.”
“May be you are right,” the banker said. “I had not thought of that.”
“That’s interesting,” the compassionate boss said.
The telephone rang.
As he was about to leave the office for commercial errand, he turned toward the banker, lowered his eyes and said, “My precious assistants will be working with you for a while.”
The banker bowed and said, “Certainly, sir.”
“This gem has been with me for sometime,” the banker continued, “and nobody knows about the gem. It has strange colors.”
“I understand, but you are getting carried away,” Peter said calmly.
The banker blinked.
“I do get carried away when I see a beautiful gem. Let me show what I have got,” the banker said holding up the bright gem for Margaret’s admiration. Margaret took the gem and examined it.
“Wow! It looks like an andalusite to me,” Margaret said. “It’s a beautiful Oh My God gem.”
“How did you know that? I like the Oh My God statement, but what’s andalusite? I have never heard the name before,” the banker said.
“From visual observation and experience,” Margaret said immediately.
“That’s good. I was told it was top quality tourmaline,” the banker said.
“Top quality andalusites are not that easy to find,” Peter said. “But you have what others don’t have. The common simulants are tourmaline and alexandrite.”
“Are simulants and imitations the same?” the banker asked.
“Yeah, they are the same,” Mary said.
“How do you describe the color in this stone?” the banker asked. “I have a hard time figuring it out.”
“It’s a pleochroic stone,” Mary added.
“What does pleochroic mean?” the banker asked.
“It means different colors in different direction,” Mary said. “A combination of yellowish green and orange brown, but the beauty is in the color contrast. In andalusite, you don’t look for one color instead it displays different colors when viewed in different directions. That’s the Oh My God character of this stone.”
“I didn’t know it,” the banker said. “Is there any other colored stone that looks similar?”
“Alexandrite,” Peter said quickly. “Alexandrite is a phenomenon stone. The gem displays red when viewed under incandescent light and green under fluorescent light, while andalusite does not change colors the way alexandrite does. It shows different colors at the same time due to pleochroism and proper cutting. The other colored gem is tourmaline. A few other gemstones may show similar color pattern, but with careful observation and proper identification one is able to differentiate andalusite from tourmaline, alexandite and other colored stones.”
“Do you need to loupe the stone?” the banker asked. “I want to check the color and clarity.”
“You don’t need to loupe andalusite for color,” Margaret said.
“Why?” the banker asked.
“There is no need to check the color with a loupe,” Peter interrupted. “In this office, it’s okay, but when you are at a dealer’s office it is customary to use a loupe to examine only stones it is intended to purchase.”
“I didn’t know it,” the banker said. “It’s an interesting perspective. Perceptions can make a difference.”
“In reality, if you don’t know how to use a loupe,” Margaret explained, “and if you are not familiar with the gemstone species, you may be wasting your time, because you don’t know what to look for.”
“So how do I know?” the banker asked.
“If you don’t know ask so that people who are knowledgeable may be able to explain complex details in sweet words, and you don’t feel embarrassed,” Margaret said. “That’s simple education.”
“You are right. It makes sense,” the banker said. “I must admit colored stones are complex. They have new names and stories. At times it’s confusing but I like the concept.”
“With colored stones there will be always interesting stories for everyone,” Mary said. “You will never get bored.”
“It’s true,” the banker said. “If stones had no color, then there is nothing to talk about.”
“That’s an interesting comment. The gem andalusite has provided you with lovely color for little investment,” Margaret said.
“That’s right,” the banker replied.
When the compassionate boss returned he displayed fine specimens of andalusites from his gem collection for comparison.
“Spectacular colors,” the banker said softly.
“Gemstones are always spiritual reflections of God,” the compassionate boss said holding a fine andalusite from his collection.
“Is andalusite precious or semi precious stone?” the banker asked.
“Every gemstone is precious to me,” the compassionate boss said. “Colored stones are unique gifts from God for everyone who believes in color and compassion. Many have no idea what a gem has to go through to get to a client. When you find a beautiful stone you share the knowledge with your fellow human being. It makes you feel good.”
“You bet,” the banker said. “I thought I was buying tourmaline and look what I have got. It was blessing in disguise, and I am happy.”
“I don’t think you may be aware of this,” Mary said. “Andalusite requires special care if you want to enjoy the beauty of the stone.”
“What’s that?” the banker asked.
“Andalusite jewelry is not that frequently seen in the market due to a physical property known as cleavage,” Mary added.
“I had not thought of that,” the banker replied. “What’s cleavage?”
“Cleavage is an even breakage along a plane found in certain gemstones. Andalusite’s distinct cleavage may create problem for setters. It’s a one of kind gemstone with distinct beauty and many people don’t know about it. The gem may require special attention, but the striking color makes you feel good,” Peter said.
“It’s good that you mentioned,” the banker said.
“Remember this,” the compassionate boss said. “Andalusite will always be a precious stone. Everyone is treated equally in front of gemstones. They don’t know if you are rich or poor. They do not make the rich look beautiful nor does it make the poor ugly. That’s the mind construct of all gemstone species.”
“Yes indeed,” the banker said happily. “I will be looking forward to collecting new gemstone species in the comings days. I will be seeing you soon.”
“Good luck, but before you leave, you may want to tell us how much you paid for the stone,” Peter said.
“You know something,” the banker said. “When I like a colored gemstone and have a good story I never worry about the price, because beauty is priceless. I want to enjoy the beauty of the stone.”
“That’s good attitude,” the compassionate boss said. The banker flushed.
Precious insights
- Learn the basics of the qualities of andalusite.
- Set a personal budget.
- The standard magnification for viewing gems is ten times.
- Use transmitted, reflected and fiber optic light sources to view the color contrast between natural and imitation.
- Judge the overall appearance of andalusite in natural skylight and artificial light source (s).
- Always judge andalusite by their overall quality not locality.
- Always do your research.
- All treatments should be disclosed at all levels of distribution chain.
- If doubtful have it checked by a reputable gem testing laboratory.
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