Andradite is a calcium-iron silicate mineral. It occurs as isolated crystals, crystal aggregates, or loose grains, and can be found in deep-seated igneous rocks as well as in metamorphic rocks such as schists. Named in 1868, it honours the Brazilian mineralogist José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva (1763–1838), who taught metallurgy at the University of Coimbra in the early 19th century and campaigned for the freedom and independence of peoples. Andrada e Silva took part in the resistance during the French invasions of Portugal and played a central role in Brazil’s independence process.