mineral
Fuchsite
K(Al,Cr)2(AlSi3)O10(OH)2
Hardness 2-3 (Mohs), emerald green to light green color, pearly to vitreous luster, monoclinic crystal structure, perfect basal cleavage, specific gravity ~2.8-2.9
Identified More mineral →
Explore Fuchsite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness 2-3 (Mohs), emerald green to light green color, pearly to vitreous luster, monoclinic crystal structure, perfect basal cleavage, specific gravity ~2.8-2.9
Formation & geological history
Formed in metamorphic environments, specifically in chromium-rich schists.
Uses & applications
Used as an ornamental stone, a collector's mineral, and sometimes a source of chromium. Rarely used in jewelry due to its softness, but used in carvings or cabochons.
Geological facts
Fuchsite is the green chromium-rich variety of muscovite mica. It is famous for giving the green color to the rock known as verdite.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its micaceous (flaky) texture and distinctive green color. Commonly found in Brazil, India, and Zimbabwe.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock