Humite
Image: Mai Seppel (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameHumite
Chemical Formula(Mg,Fe)7(SiO4)3(F,OH)2
Mohs Hardness6
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagepoor on {001}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity3.1
Colorsyellow, orange, brown, reddish-brown
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityMount Vesuvius, Campania, Italy
Mineral GroupNesosilicates
Usescollector, gemstone (rare)
Associated Mineralscalcite, dolomite, phlogopite, spinel, chondrodite, clinohumite
Rarityuncommon
Description
The image displays a specimen of humite, characterized by its yellowish-brown to reddish-brown color, appearing as granular or blocky crystals within a matrix.
Geological Context
Humite typically forms in contact metamorphic environments, particularly in metamorphosed dolomitic limestones and skarns, often in association with serpentine.
