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Named for the autonomous region of Spain, Andalusia, where this distinctive and little-known gem was originally found, andalusite is also found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Madagascar and the US. It is a polymorph with two other minerals: kyanite and sillimanite. A polymorph shares the same chemical composition with another mineral(s) but has a different crystal structure. Andalusites have a very pronounced level of pleochroism which results in the exhibition of different colors within the same gem. Andalusites occur with very distinctive combinations of colors such as golden yellow, medium green, olive green and brownish red to orangy brown. When fashioning andalusites, cutters try to orient the gem so it results in a pleasing mix such as gold or green with brownish red or orangy brown.