How Much is Andalusite Worth

Andalusite can be expensive depending on the size of the faceted stone. Most stones between 1 and 4 carats sell for $20.00 to $200.00 dollars per carat. If you have a cabochon then you can expect a value of $5.00 – $15.00 per gram in value.

If you enjoy looking at stones with strong pleochroism like I do, then you’ll want to add Andalusite to your semi-precious gemstone collection.

Andalusite comes in a range of tones and saturations but it is always yellowish-green, slightly brown, with a reddish-orange hue at the edges of the stone. You don’t want the tone to be too dark or you won’t be able to see clear delineation between the colors. The main source of high-quality Andalusite is Brazil but decent-quality material can be found in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Australia.

 

 

 

How to determine value and cost

When determining the value of the gemstone you will be using GIA guidelines which means color, clarity, carat weight, and cut.  You’ll want to look at each one of these individually and then circle back when finished to evaluate the stone as a whole. If you need help identifying Andalusite then go here first.

Color is going to be the most important factor when determining the value of gemstones.  Clarity and carat weight are tied for the second most important factor.

 

Color – The more intense the color the more valuable the stone is.  When dealing with warm colors, think of red and orange, you’ll want to determine if there are brown undertones.  If you can’t see brown undertones then the color should be very vibrant.  The more vibrant and saturated the color the more expensive the gemstone.  If the gemstone has a unique “neon-like glow” then it will demand the highest price per carat.

 

Clarity – Buyers and collectors prefer stones with no internal inclusions visible to the eye.  To determine the clarity ranking you’ll need at a minimum a 10x loop and a higher-powered microscope to confirm internally flawless and flawless designations.

If you can visibly see the inclusion while holding the gemstone then the highest designation would be SI1 and if the inclusion detracts from the overall beauty of the stone then the clarity designation would be I1 – I3.

Clarity designations – FL, IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1, I2, I3

 

 

Carat – Andalusite can be found in sizes ranging from below 1 carat to above 4 carats.  A large, high-quality stone will bring a premium in price due to its rarity.

 

Cut – It is sad to say but cut has the least impact on value and cost unless it affects the stone in an extreme way.  For example, when you look at the stone you would be able to see through it which means light is not being reflected back to the eye.  This is called a window in the stone and it would have to be quite large to impact the price.  The other extreme would occur when you look at a stone and see a rough circle or oval shape inside the stone.  This occurs when the stone is very shallow and it’s reflecting the rough girdle inside the stone.  Note: the girdle is the edge/side of the stone where the pavilion and crown meet.

 

 

 

Value By Weight and Cut

1 to 4 Carat Faceted Andalusite is worth, $20.00 – $200.00 per carat

• Prices are dependent on color, strong pleochroism, and proper orientation
• Fairly common if you know where to source them
• High clarity grades are normal in this size

 

4 Carats or More, Faceted Andalusite is worth, $100.00 – $1,000.00 per carat

• Larger stones are much harder to source
• Prices are dependent on color, strong pleochroism, and proper orientation

 

 

Andalusite Cabochons are worth, $5.00 – $40.00 per carat

• Small to medium-sized cabochons can be sourced
• Mostly used by lapidary artists

 

 

Andalusite Facet Rough is worth, $10.00 – $50.00 per carat

• Small to medium-sized rough can be sourced at gem shows
• Larger stones with high clarity are difficult to source

 

 

How valuable is Andalusite?

Andalusite has always commanded a decent price per carat and larger stones demand a premium. The buyers willing to pay the most for this gemstone are collectors because this material is not commercially available.

 

Andalusite Value Will Continue to Increase

Each year I do research on market prices for Andalusite and I can tell you the prices for stone with decent pleochroism and below 4 carats will bring a good price and prices should continue to rise. Larger faceted stones, over 4 carats, will bring a premium and will see the highest price increases over time due to rarity.

If you’re not sure how to value a gemstone then you should consider a gemstone appraisal. Individuals acquiring gemstones through inheritance, estate sales, and auctions typically have the gemstone appraised to determine the value and to ensure the gem is what they think it is.