Published January 2015  •  Updated March 2024 •  Read Time: 6 minutes
Chiastolite yellowish-brown variety of Andalusite, famous for its distinctive black cross.  The cross is actually Graphite growing at the same time within the Andalusite.  Because of this symbol, Chiastolite has long been prized by Christians as a natural talisman.  This is particularly true in Spain, where many of the best specimens can be found.  It is often carried by pilgrims walking the road to Santiago. Chiastolite has a calm and grounding presence that helps us to become our Highest Self.  It helps us to focus during prayer and meditation so that we are fully present in our spiritual life rather than merely reciting our prayers by rote.

Chiastolite

Chiastolite Meaning

Spiritual Healing Properties

Chiastolite calls attention to our own self-awareness and quest for spiritual understanding. It is a stone of rational thinking – dispelling illusions, myths, and outdated beliefs. It helps us to be humble, rather than dramatic. It reminds us that the truth of our spiritual faith is known only to us and the Divine, we don’t get any extra credit for bragging about it to others. Chiastolite can reveal to us a glimmer of the beautiful, logical, mystical truth that the Perfect Masters understood so well and that, with time, we too can understand. Chiastolite is a powerful stone for meditation and prayer.  Chiastolite is a guide and protector during the dark nights of the soul. Christians in particular are often attracted to this beautiful mineral which speaks of the glory of God and the message of forgiveness and love. It is also commonly used as a talisman to protect us from negative energy in general and curses in particular.

Metaphysical Properties Chiastolite
Chakra Root and Crown
Element Earth
Numerology 3 and 4
Zodiac Libra

Emotional Healing Properties

Chiastolite has a very calm and grounding energy when we feel nervous or doubtful. It offers us courage, strength and the knowledge that we are capable of handling anything we are given. It is especially helpful if we are grieving or on “death watch” for a loved one. It helps us to understand and accept the harsh reality of death and the dying process, while also bringing us peace and hope that rebirth and immortality are possible for us and our loved ones. It helps us to stay patient and present, regardless of whether the dying process is quick or slow. If we feel that we are not handling things “the right way,” Chiastolite gently gives us permission to forgive ourselves for whatever sin we think we’ve committed and to do our best to meet our own emotional expectations. Chiasolite strongly encourages us to not allow our emotions to run too wild, but instead to seek out a rational and compassionate perspective. It teaches balance and harmony in all things, particularly between our mind and emotions.

Mental Healing Properties

Chiastolite stabilizes the mind, helping us to think clearly and act rationally. It can help us to understand who we really are and what our great purpose is in this life. It is an excellent stone for anyone who is going though a “mid-life crisis” or a period of self-doubt and despair. Chiastolite stimulates creativity and practicality all at once. It is a wonderful talisman for artists who are scared to put their art out into the world, out of fear that it won’t be understood or appreciated. Chiastolite reminds us that we don’t get to control other people’s thoughts or actions. We are only responsible for ourselves, so we need to act in a way that supports our Highest Good. When our depression or anxiety whispers dreadful thoughts that paralyze us, Chiastolite confidently counters them, asking us “but darling, what if it works?”

Physical Healing Properties

Chiastolite is recommended for elders and as well anyone suffering from a serious diablitating illness or injury. When our physical body isn’t working the way it used to, we may feel resentful or depressed. Chiastolite helps us re-connect with our spiritual nature as a way to accept the reality of the situation and shift our thoughts in a more positive direction. It reminds us that we are still capable of living a rich life if we focus on what we can do, rather than all the things we can’t. Chiasolote is also a particularly comforting stone when we have been given a fatal diagnosis and are preparing for the end. It calms our fears and helps us to believe that our immortal soul will live on. It is a comforting talisman when suffering from rhematism, never-damage and paralysis.

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Chiastolite Mineralogy

Where does Chiastolite come from?

Chiastolite crystal deposits have been found in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Germany, Russia, Spain, Sri Lanka, and the United States.

Mining and Treatments

Chiastolite is mined at its primary location, usually as a result of Corundum (Ruby and Sapphire) mining.

All Andalusites are fully natural, enhanced only by tumbling, cutting, and polishing. Chiastolites are always cut along a cross section in order to show their distinctive cross.

Chiastolite Placeholder
Chiastolite

The Environmental & Social Impact of Crystals

Your crystals should have a healing energy that is clean, powerful, & makes a positive difference.

Mineral Family

Chiastolite is a yellowish-brown variety of Andalusite, famous for its distinctive black cross. Andalusite is a nesosilicate mineral.  Silicates are minerals which contain the elements silicon (a light gray shiny metal) and oxygen (a colorless gas). Together, these two elements form a tetrahedron – a shape similar to a pyramid – with a silicon atom in the center and oxygen atoms at each of the four corners. These tetrahedra connect with other chemical structures, in six different ways, to form various minerals and rocks. There are six main groups of Silicate minerals. Chiastolite belongs to the nesosilicates group, in which the Silicate tetrahedra are not directly attached to each other.

Chiastolite’s energy works well with its family – other nesosilicate minerals.  Try it in combination with Dumortierite, Garnet (Almandine, Grossular, Hessonite, Rhodolite, Uvarovite), Kyanite. Peridot, and Topaz

Chiastolite Formation and Crystal Associates

Chiastolite is commonly found in metamorphic rocks, where it is often in association with Corundum (Ruby and Sapphire), and Kyanite. On occasion, Chiastolite may form in igneous rocks, particularly Granite. The actual formation process is still a mystery and several different theories have been postulated. The most widely-accepted theory is that when pure yellow-brown Andalusite is forming, impurities, principally made up of Graphite, begin to attach themselves to the corners of the Andalusite crystals. As the concentration of impurities grows, it temporarily slows down the growth of the crystal. Eventually a pattern of four radiating lines of Graphite emerges across the Andalusite.

Chiastolite’s energy works well with its “friends” – crystal associates formed in the same geological environment.  Try it in combination with Almandine Garnet

Mineralogy Chiastolite
Chemical Formula Al2SiO5
Cleavage Perfect to poor
Color Brown with black cross
Crystal System Orthorhombic
Form/Habit Prismatic
Fracture Conchoidal
Hardness – Mohs Scale 6.5-7.5
Luminescence Yellow (short wave)
Luster Vitreous
Mineral Family Garnet Group
Specific Gravity 3.2
Streak White
Transparency Opaque

History of Chiastolite

Chiastolite’s distinctive cross has long made it a favorite in lapidaries, texts that describe gemstones and their powers. Its name has two potential origins. It may come from the Greek word chiastos, meaning “cross,” or from the Greek work Chi which is the name for the Greek letter “X.” It is also called Lapis Crucifer or “cross-stone” in many of the oldest lapidaries.

Chiastolite’s metaphysical properties have been particularly celebrated since the rise of Christianity, and its natural cross has long been seen as having mystical and religious significance. In Europe, one of the largest deposits of Chiastolite can be found near the Shrine of St. James in Santiago de Compostella, Spain. According to legend, these Chiastolites are actually holy relics which have been petrified and should be carried during religious pilgrimages. In medieval times, Chiastolite was used to keep the “evil eye” at bay. Today, it is often carried as a sign of devotion, bringing a sense of peace in death and the promise of re-birth.

Santigo De Compostela, chiastolite

Santiago de Compostela, Spain

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