Mineral
Fuchsite
K(Al,Cr)2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2
Hardness: 2-2.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Pale to deep emerald green. Luster: Pearly to vitreous. Crystal structure: Monoclinic. Cleavage: Perfect on {001}. Specific gravity: 2.77-2.88.
- Hardness
- 2-2
- Color
- Pale to deep emerald green
- Luster
- Pearly to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2-2.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Pale to deep emerald green. Luster: Pearly to vitreous. Crystal structure: Monoclinic. Cleavage: Perfect on {001}. Specific gravity: 2.77-2.88.
Formation & geological history
Fuchsite is a chromium-rich variety of muscovite mica. It forms as a secondary mineral in metamorphic rocks, often in phyllites, schists, and some marbles, where chromium-bearing fluids have altered pre-existing minerals.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as a collector's mineral and in lapidary for carving or tumbling. Massive varieties are sometimes used as ornamental stone.
Geological facts
Fuchsite was named after the German mineralogist and chemist Johann Nepomuk von Fuchs. It is responsible for the green color in ruby in fuchsite and verdite.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its micaceous, flaky habit, green color, and low hardness. Often found in Brazil, India, Zimbabwe, and Russia.
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Schist
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Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
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Nephrite Jade
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Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock
![Biotite Schist (Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]) — metamorphic](https://media.rock.id/9ca564b5-bc87-402b-965a-69b21f9aa6bf-thumbnail.jpg)
Biotite Schist
Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]
metamorphic