metamorphic
Greenstone
Greenschist facies metabasite
Hardness: 5-7 (Mohs). Color: Dark green, grayish-green, or olive. Luster: Dull to waxy. Structure: Fine-grained, often massive or weakly foliated. Specific gravity: 2.8-3.0.
- Hardness
- 5-7 (Mohs)
- Color
- Dark green, grayish-green, or olive
- Luster
- Dull to waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5-7 (Mohs). Color: Dark green, grayish-green, or olive. Luster: Dull to waxy. Structure: Fine-grained, often massive or weakly foliated. Specific gravity: 2.8-3.0.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the low-grade regional metamorphism of mafic igneous rocks (such as basalt or gabbro) under low temperatures and moderate pressures. Commonly found in ancient mountain belts and greenstone belts.
Uses & applications
Used as decorative stone in landscaping, crushed stone for construction, and historically as a material for Neolithic stone tools like axes.
Geological facts
The green color is primarily due to the presence of chlorite, epidote, or actinolite minerals. Greenstone belts are some of the oldest geological features on Earth, containing rocks billions of years old.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinctive greenish hue and toughness. Often found in riverbeds or coastal areas where it has been rounded by water action. It is harder than serpentine but lacks the translucency of jade.
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