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Andesine is a silicate mineral, a member of the plagioclase feldspar group, and is named for its discovery in the Andes Mountains. It occurs in a range of colors including red, orange, yellow, green, and white. While it is used in jewelry, it has a hardness of 6.0–6.5 on the Mohs scale, is relatively brittle, and some red varieties found on the market are actually treated yellow labradorite that has had copper diffused into it. Composition and classification Chemical formula: \((Na,Ca)(Al,Si)O_{8}\)Mineral group: Tectosilicate minerals, specifically a member of the plagioclase feldspar solid solution series.Anorthite ratio: Its calcium and sodium composition falls between an anorthite/albite ratio of 50:50 and 70:30. Physical and optical properties Hardness: 6.0–6.5 on the Mohs scaleLuster: Subvitreous to pearlyTransparency: Transparent to translucentRefractive index: Between 1.543 and 1.562Birefringence: 0.0080 to 0.0090Crystal system: Triclinic Appearance and color Colors: Ranges from white, gray, yellow, green, to various shades of red and orange-red.Gemstone use: The red and orange varieties are often used in jewelry, although many red specimens on the market are artificially colored.