CHIASTOLITE
“On her white breast a sparkling cross she wore.”
Pope.
The Chiastolite obtains its name from the Greek word CHIASTOS, crossed. It is also known as Macle, from the Latin Macula, a spot. It is a form of Andalusite found in certain metamorphic rock. During the process of crystallization certain impurities of a carbonaceous nature are dispersed across the stone which displays from this cause different forms of cross, tessellated or lozenge-shaped markings, which show out curiously when the stone is cut or broken. The hardness of the stone is not great—specimens sometimes being as low as 3 in Mohs’ scale. The colour varies from grey to yellow, pink, red, white, and deep brown.
The chiastolite is reported to have been first found in Andalusia in Spain, at which place legend says St. James suffered martyrdom. A further amplification of this legend tells that the origin of the chiastolite dates back to that time when it sprang into being just where the Apostle laid his hands on the rocks. At the time of Pedro the Cruel of Spain (14th Century), a peasant, by name Miguel Perez, found a rare specimen of this stone over an inch in diameter, exhibiting two crosses, the most marked being of a rich dark red hue. Wishing to obtain this remarkable gem as a present for his ally Edward the Black Prince (whose title, be it said, was not bestowed from the colour of his armour but as Froissart says, “from the terror his arms inspired”), Pedro ordered the peasant to bring it to him. When Perez was ushered into his presence the King demanded the gem under pain of death. The terrified peasant, after faltering for a few moments in nervous fear, at length held out the gem for the King to take. As Pedro was about to seize it, the blood-red cross met his gaze and he fell in a swoon on the palace floor. The stone seems to have disappeared for a long period, and it is believed to have been discovered in the possession of Philip V of Spain who carried it as a jewel charm till his death when it was hung about the neck of the statue of St. James in the St. Jago di Compostella. Marshal Soult, having plundered the Cathedral during the Peninsular War, gave the stolen stone to Napoleon Bonaparte, who presented it to Murat. Astrologically, the chiastolite would not be a fortunate stone for Pedro, Soult, Napoleon, Murat or the Black Prince—notwithstanding the latter’s name. It would be a fortunate stone for Philip V.
It is quoted as a fact that when Columbus sailed on his voyage of discovery to America he wore a charm of chiastolite. The historical Chiastolite of Spain is said to be at the present time in the possession of the French family De Bodts.
The chiastolite is a symbol of prudence, faith, caution and sincerity. To dream of one is a sign of struggle, delay or limitation. It is a stone of the zodiacal Capricorn. Chiastolite is also written as chiastolith and chiastolithe. The name was bestowed on it in the year 1800. Some very fine specimens have recently been found in South Australia.
CHRYSOBERYL
“Time will run back and fetch the Age of Gold.”
Milton.