| Celadonite | |
|---|---|
Celadonite is the green mineral that forms the matrix in this specimen, which also features larger calcite rhombs, glassy, colorless, apophyllite crystals and a single, pearlescent, tan, bladed stilbite crystal cluster at upper left-center. From Jalgaon District, Maharashtra, India. Size: 14.0 x 9.0 x 3.9 cm. |
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| General | |
| Category | Micas - Phyllosilicate |
| Chemical formula | K(Mg,Fe2+)(Fe3+,Al)[Si4O10](OH)2 |
Celadonite is a mica group mineral, a phyllosilicate of potassium, iron in both oxidation states, aluminium and hydroxide with formula: K(Mg,Fe2+)(Fe3+,Al)[Si4O10](OH)2.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and usually forms massive aggregates of prismatic crystallites or in dull clay masses. It is soft with a Mohs hardness of 2 and a specific gravity of 3. Typically occurs as dull gray-green to bluish green masses. It forms vesicle fillings and linings in altered basaltic lavas.
It was first described in 1847 on Mt. Baldo, near Verona, Italy. The name is from the French celadon, for sea-green.