Collection: Lizardite

Lizardite is a mineral from the phyllosilicate group, more precisely a variety of serpentine .

🔍 General description

• Name : Lizardite

• Group : Serpentine

• Chemical formula : Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄

• Crystal system : Triclinic (sometimes described as pseudohexagonal)

• Color : Pale green to yellow-green, sometimes grayish

• Luster : Pearly to dull

• Mohs hardness : 2.5 to 3.5

• Density : Approximately 2.55 to 2.65

📍 Origin of the name

The name "lizardite" comes from Lizard Point , Cornwall (UK), where the mineral was discovered.

🧬 Structure and training

• Lizardite is a hydrated magnesium silicate .

• It typically forms by hydrothermal alteration of ultramafic rocks, such as peridotite or dunite .

• It is often associated with other members of the serpentine group, such as chrysotile (fibrous) and antigorite .

🌍 Use and interest

• It has no major industrial use, but it can be used as an ornamental stone .

• It is of interest to geologists to understand the hydration processes of the Earth's mantle .

• It can be confused with other green minerals (such as jadeite or nephrite) but is distinguished by its flaky structure.

🧪 Typical physical properties