metamorphic
Greenstone / Greenschist
Greenschist (composed of chlorite, epidote, and actinolite)
Hardness: 3.5-5 (Mohs scale); Color: Dull to dark green; Luster: Dull or waxy; Crystal structure: Usually fine-grained or mildly foliated; Specific Gravity: 2.8-3.0
- Hardness
- 3
- Color
- Dull to dark green
- Luster
- Dull or waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3.5-5 (Mohs scale); Color: Dull to dark green; Luster: Dull or waxy; Crystal structure: Usually fine-grained or mildly foliated; Specific Gravity: 2.8-3.0
Formation & geological history
Formed through low-grade metamorphism of mafic igneous rocks (like basalt) under high pressure and low temperature, typically in subduction zones.
Uses & applications
Used as crushed stone for road construction, decorative garden stones, and historically for stone tools and carvings in some cultures.
Geological facts
The green color is primarily due to the presence of chlorite and epidote; it is often found in 'greenstone belts' which contain some of the Earth's oldest known rock formations.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinctive greenish hue and fine-grained texture. Often found in riverbeds or coastal areas near ancient volcanic mountain ranges. It is relatively soft and can sometimes be scratched with a steel nail.
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