mineral
Fuchsite
Chromian Muscovite, K(Al,Cr)2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2
Hardness: 2-3. Color: green to emerald green. Luster: Pearly to vitreous. Crystal structure: Monoclinic. Cleavage: Perfect on {001}. Specific gravity: 2.7-3.0.
- Hardness
- 2-3
- Color
- green to emerald green
- Luster
- Pearly to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2-3. Color: green to emerald green. Luster: Pearly to vitreous. Crystal structure: Monoclinic. Cleavage: Perfect on {001}. Specific gravity: 2.7-3.0.
Formation & geological history
Forms in metamorphic rocks such as schists and gneisses, replacing other minerals like plagioclase or orthoclase during regional or contact metamorphism. Chromium substitutes for aluminum in the muscovite structure.
Uses & applications
Primarily collected as a mineral specimen. Sometimes used in jewelry as cabochons, often when included in quartz (green aventurine) or with ruby (ruby in fuchsite). Historically used as a green pigment.
Geological facts
Named in 1842 by Karl F. E. Schafhäutl in honor of Johann Nepomuk von Fuchs, a German chemist and mineralogist. When it occurs with ruby, it creates a striking contrasting stone often misidentified as ruby in zoisite (anyolite).
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive green color, platy or flaky habit (typical of micas), and perfect cleavage allowing it to be separated into thin, flexible sheets. Found in locations like Brazil, India, Russia, and the USA.
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