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DSCN2007_Seraphinite shield cabochon

Seraphinite is a chatoyant member of the chlorite group of minerals, named for what some see as a resemblance to angel wings. Having never met one personally, I cannot vouch. Note that the chlorite name refers to the green color; it does not contain any chlorine. It is an aluminum-magnesium silicate, making it a distant cousin to other metamorphic rocks, such as serpentine and jade, but much softer (Mohs 2.5-4), and without any iron. The chemical formula is Mg5Al(AlSi3O10)(OH)8.

 

Seraphinite has only been found in Siberia (note: I purchased the slab from which I made this long ago — around 2010).

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Uploaded on May 1, 2023
Taken on May 1, 2023