Cullet Glass (sometimes sold as 'Andara Crystal')
Amorphous Silicon Dioxide (Man-made Glass) · Industrial Material / Decorative Stone / Decorative Landscaping Glass
Crystal System
Amorphous (Non-crystalline); shows no internal atomic order. Habit is typically massive or broken chunks.
Mineral Group
Non-mineral (Mineraloid/Synthetic Glass)
Chemical Formula
SiO2 + Na2O + CaO (typically soda-lime glass with metal oxide colorants like copper or chromium)
Formation Process
Synthetic; formed by melting silica sand with fluxes at high temperatures and cooling rapidly to prevent crystallization.
About This Crystal
Transparent to translucent teal-green chunks with a vitreous (glassy) luster. Shows smooth surface areas and sharp, jagged edges.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Teal/Green; Streak: White; Cleavage: None; Fracture: Pronounced conchoidal (shell-like) ripples; Specific Gravity: ~2.4-2.5; Non-fluorescent.
Optical Properties
Isotropic (singly refractive); Refractive Index: ~1.47-1.51; No pleochroism or birefringence. May contain gas bubbles (seed).
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Industrial glass manufacturing facilities (worldwide); often marketed as originating from volcanic sites (falsely).
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 5 to 5.5. Brittle tenacity. Susceptible to scratching and easy chipping. Poor wearability for jewelry.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water. Avoid mechanical impacts which cause splintering. Handled with care due to sharp edges.
Rarity & Value
Common/Abundant. Low value; typically sold as scrap by the pound for landscaping or decorative use. Often overpriced in 'metaphysical' markets.
Special Characteristics
Conchoidal fracture ripples and internal spherical gas bubbles are diagnostic of man-made glass.
Lore & History
Historically used as industrial waste or for glass-making feedstock. In modern times, often used in landscaping or sold under pseudoscientific names like 'Andara' for alleged spiritual energy; these claims are not supported by mineral science.