Chlorite Quartz (Properties, Identification, Meaning)

Chlorite quartz is a beautiful member under the umbrella of the quartz stone family.

Yet, it has its own unique characteristics, and is worth knowing on its own.

In this article, you’ll learn about chlorite quartz, where it can be found, uses, and meaning.

Chlorite Quartz (Properties, Identification, Meaning)

What is Chlorite Quartz?

Chlorite quartz is a variety of quartz that contains inclusions of chlorite.

The chlorite inclusions give the stone a beautiful green color.

The chlorite may also coat or clump on the exterior of the stone.

What Is Chlorite?

Chlorite is a group of minerals that include several closely related species.

The most common chlorite minerals are:

-Clinochlore: A dark green to black mineral that has a Mohs hardness of 5-6.

-Penninite: A light green to white mineral that has a Mohs hardness of 2-2.5.

-Nimite: A very dark green to black mineral that has a Mohs hardness of 6-6.5.

-Chamosite: A yellow-green to greenish-black mineral that has a Mohs hardness of 4-4.5.

Chlorite can also come in pink, yellow, red, and white.

However, when quartz has inclusions of chlorite in other colors (not green or greenish colors), the stone will be called something other than chlorite quartz (like strawberry quartz, lemon quartz, etc).

Chlorite quartz mostly refers to green colored quartz.

Identifying Chlorite Quartz

Chlorite quartz tends to look mostly like clear or smoky quartz with wisps of green coloring or hints of green.

Other materials give stones green colors, like malachite, chromium, feldspar, and more.

Quartz that is dramatically green would likely be identified as aventurine, amazonite, serpentine, or some other variety in the quartz family.

The most definitely way to identify chlorite quartz is with a chemical test, as that would be the most conclusive way to confirm that the inclusions giving the stone the green color is chlorite.

How Does Chlorite Quartz Form?

Chlorite quartz is created when hot, volatile fluids carry chlorite minerals into cavities in the rock.

As the fluids cool and evaporate, they leave behind a deposit of chlorite minerals.

Over time, the quartz around the cavities grows and incorporates the chlorite minerals into the quartz crystal structure.

This process can happen quickly or over a long period of time, depending on the temperature and pressure conditions.

What Is Phantom Chlorite Quartz?

Phantom chlorite quartz is a type of chlorite quartz that contains ghost-like inclusions of chlorite.

The inclusions may be in the form of a phantom, which is an outline of a previous crystal that has dissolved and been replaced by another mineral.

Where is Chlorite Quartz Found?

Chlorite quartz can be found in many places around the world.

Some of the most notable locations include:

-Brazil

-Australia

-China

-Zimbabwe

Uses of Chlorite Quartz

The stones are usually cut into cabochons or beads, and used in jewelry making.

They are also popular among crystal healers, as they are thought by some to have powerful healing properties.

What Is The History Of Chlorite Quartz?

The history of chlorite quartz is relatively unknown.

This is likely because the stone is not as well known or as popular as some other members of the quartz family.

Chlorite Quartz Meaning

The meaning of chlorite quartz can be derived from its history, uses, and properties.

The stone is said to be a powerful healing stone that can help to detoxify the body and cleanse the aura.

It is also said to be helpful in removing negative energy from the chakra system.

Is Chlorite Quartz Rare?

Chlorite quartz is not a particularly rare stone. However, it is not as common as some other types of quartz.

It is most often purchased by collectors in rock shops and online crystal stores.

How Much Does Chlorite Quartz Cost?

The cost of chlorite quartz varies depending on the size and quality of the stone.

Smaller, lower quality stones can be purchased for as little as $5-$10 per carat.

Larger, higher quality stones can cost $20-$50 per carat or more.

How Do You Care For Chlorite Quartz?

Quartz is a relatively hardy stone, and can be cleaned with warm soapy water.

Chlorite, on the other hand, is not as hard. Depending upon chemical composition, the hardness could be as low as a 2 out of 10 on the Moh’s scale.

While quartz does not easily dent or crack, chunks of chlorite would not survive the same treatment.

We don’t recommend that you tumble chlorite quartz, unless the chlorite is subtle or mostly inclusions, as the quartz banging around will do a lot of damage to the chlorite chunks.

You can also use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the surface of the stone with soapy water.

Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners, as they may damage the surface of the stone.