What is Andara Crystal

Andara crystals—commonly called Andara glass—are brightly colored, silica-based, amorphous glass sold as “rare” natural gemstones with metaphysical claims. Despite their volcanic-glass–like appearance and marketing as high-vibrational stones, Andara specimens lack the ordered atomic lattice that defines true crystals. 

Geochemical and spectrographic analyses consistently identify Andara as soda-lime glass—an industrial, man-made material—distinct from natural glasses like obsidian or tektite. Its vibrant hues (green, blue, violet, pink, gold, clear) result from added colorants in molten silica, not from unique mineralogy. Commercial forms include rough chunks, tumbled stones, faceted pieces, and mounted jewelry.

The Legend of Lady Nellie

In 1967, Nellie Morse Thompson, a Choctaw medicine woman, reportedly found a seafoam-colored Andara crystal on her land near Mount Shasta, California. She attributed healing properties to the crystal. Modern sources suggest geothermal or extraterrestrial origins for Andara’s formation, though no evidence confirms Nellie’s own views.

Andara crystal glass.

Scientific Analysis of Andara Glass

Laboratory analyses confirm Andara as soda-lime glass—a man-made material primarily composed of silica (SiO₂) with elevated sodium oxide (Na₂O) and calcium oxide (CaO). It contains low levels of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), potassium oxide (K₂O), and iron oxide (Fe₂O₃), distinguishing it from natural volcanic glasses like obsidian and aligning it with industrial silica-based products.

Promoters assert that Andara contains “etherium” or over 70 monatomic elements lack peer-reviewed validation and have not been verified by any reputable gemological laboratory. Its uniform coloration, internal bubbles, and compositional profile are consistent with slag glass or recycled cullet, confirming its anthropogenic origin.

Physical Properties

• Structure: Amorphous (no crystalline lattice).
• Hardness: ~5.5–6 on the Mohs scale.
• Fracture: Conchoidal (like glass).
• Luster: Vitreous (glassy).
• Color: Vivid greens, blues, violets, pinks, and golds—achieved through added colorants.

Colorful Andara glass specimens resembling natural minerals, with smooth fractures and vitreous luster.

Comparison to Natural Glasses (Obsidian and Moldavite)

Obsidian

Obsidian: Natural volcanic glass formed from rapid cooling of felsic lava, rich in silica, iron, and magnesium. Amorphous, typically black, glossy, and geologically verifiable (5-6 Mohs). Less translucent than Andara, common in volcanic terrains.

Andara Glass (synthetic) vs. obsidian (natural volcanic glass) comparison.

Moldavite

Moldavite: Rare tektite formed ~15 million years ago from meteorite impact in the Czech Republic. Green, with etched, pitted texture, low water content, and unique chemical fingerprint (5.5-7 Mohs). Unlike Andara’s artificial, polished appearance.

Market and Value of Andara Glass

Andara glass is primarily marketed in metaphysical and spiritual communities, often promoted for its alleged high-vibrational energy and healing properties. Its vibrant colors and polished forms (spheres, jewelry) drive demand, with prices ranging from $10-$500+ based on size, color, and seller claims. However, its man-made nature—often soda-lime or slag glass—means production costs are low, leading to high profit margins.

Andara Glass (synthetic) vs. moldavite (natural impact glass/tektite).

Most geologists and gemologists agree that Andara glass is an anthropogenic product—slate glass or recycled cullet—repurposed into rough stones, tumbled pieces, and polished jewelry. Its market value, which can reach hundreds or thousands of dollars per specimen, is driven by metaphysical narratives rather than geological rarity.