Seraphinite
What is Seraphinite?
Seraphinite is a trade name for a particular form of clinochlore, a member of the chlorite group. It’s primarily found in the Lake Baikal region of Siberia, Russia. Seraphinite is often used as a gemstone and is popular for its unique green color and feather-like patterns.
Seraphinite is a unique gemstone that comes in shades of green with feather-like patterns. Its unique appearance and color make it a popular choice for jewelry and decorative items, especially pendants and beads.
| Chemical Classification | Inorganic - Silicate (Phyllosilicate) |
| Color | Deep green with silvery-white feather-like patterns. |
| Streak | White |
| Luster | Silky to vitreous. |
| Transparency | Opaque. |
| Occurrence | Primarily found in the Lake Baikal region of Siberia, Russia. |
| Formation | Formed from hydrothermal alterations of igneous rocks. |
| Diaphaneity | Translucent to opaque |
| Cleavage | None |
| Mohs Hardness | 2 - 2.5. |
| Specific Gravity | Approximately 2.6 - 2.9. |
| Diagnostic Properties | Green with silvery chatoyant patterns. |
| Chemical Composition | (Mg,Fe)3Si2O5(OH)4 |
| Pleochroism | Not observable due to its opacity. |
| Crystal System | Monoclinic (variety of Clinochlore) |
| Optical Properties | Biaxial (+) |
| Refractive Index | Varies due to mixture of minerals |
| Birefringence | Varies due to mixture of minerals |
| 2V angle | Measured: 58° |
| Dispersion | Not typically noted due to its opacity. |