mineral

Chlorite (Small Flakes/Sand)

Chlorite Group (Magnesium Iron Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide - (Mg,Fe)3(Si,Al)4O10(OH)2·(Mg,Fe)3(OH)6)

Hardness: 2-2.5 on Mohs scale; Color: typically green to dark grayish-green; Luster: Pearly, vitreous, or dull; Crystal Structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Perfect basal cleavage; Specific Gravity: 2.6-3.3.

Hardness: 2-2
Color: typically green to dark grayish-green
Luster: Pearly, vitreous, or dull

Identified March 8, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the hydrothermal alteration or low-grade metamorphism of mafic igneous minerals like pyroxene, amphibole, and biotite. Commonly found in metamorphic rocks like greenschist.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as an industrial filler, in ceramic glazes, and as an inclusion in decorative quartz (Chlorated Quartz). It has minimal use as an ore but is a significant indicator mineral for geological mapping.

Geological facts

Chlorite is the mineral responsible for the green color of many 'greenstones' and chlorite schists. It is often found as a 'phantom' inclusion inside clear quartz crystals, creating beautiful moss-like patterns.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinct green color, soft texture (can often be scratched with a fingernail), and mica-like flaky habit. Commonly found in mountain belts where low-grade metamorphism has occurred. As small sand/flakes in a vial, it is often sold as a souvenir or 'healing' mineral.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral