Stichtite
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Archaeodontosaurus" title="User:Archaeodontosaurus">Didier Descouens</a> (CC BY 3.0)
Mineral NameStichtite
Chemical FormulaMg₆Cr₂(CO₃)(OH)₁₆·4H₂O
Mohs Hardness1.5
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lusterwaxy
Streak Colorlilac
Cleavageperfect on {0001}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity2.19
Colorspurple, lilac, pink
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityStichtite Hill, Dundas mineral field, Zeehan District, Tasmania, Australia
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usescollector, ornamental
Associated Mineralslizardite, chromite, serpentine
Rarityuncommon
Description
A vibrant purple, massive mineral with a waxy luster, intergrown with greenish lizardite. The specimen shows a distinct contrast between the rich purple of stichtite and the lighter green of the associated serpentine mineral.
Geological Context
Stichtite is a secondary mineral formed by the alteration of chromite-bearing serpentinite, typically found in ultramafic rocks. It often occurs in veins and masses within these altered rocks.
