4 Types of Rocks That Are Green (And Where You Can Find Them)

For any rockhound, green rocks are frequently a sight to behold.

Green and greenish rocks are given their colors by minerals containing iron, nickel, chromium, and occasionally manganese.

This essay will discuss four examples of green rocks, their properties, and where to find them.

Types of Rocks That Are Green

Chlorite

Chlorite is the name given to a class of common phyllosilicate minerals found in a variety of rocks.

Chlorite, the most abundant green mineral, occurs infrequently on its own.

Chlorite is derived from the Greek word for “green,” referring to the mineral’s color.

Chlorites’ green color is due to their iron and magnesium levels.

Chlorites containing more iron have a darker green color than those containing little or no iron.

Chemical composition

Chlorite contains the repeating formula: (Mg, Fe)3(Si, Al)4O10(OH)2·(Mg, Fe)3(OH)6.

Different chlorite minerals may have varying proportions of iron, magnesium, and silicon, resulting in subtle changes in their physical features.

Physical characteristics

Chlorites have a Mohs hardness score of 2-3 and a specific gravity of 2.6 to 3.3.

They are less elastic than mica.

Common appearance

Chlorites are often green, have a foliated appearance, and have clean cleavage lines.

They have an oily texture.

Rockhounding locations of Chlorite

Chlorite is found in different rocks, including igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

As a result, they occur globally.

Chlorite is frequently found in abundance in phyllite, schist, and greenstone.

The Klamath National Forest, which runs along the California-Oregon border, provides an excellent experience for an amateur rockhound looking for chlorite.

Jadeite

Jadeite is the primary mineral making up the most valuable kind of jade, which is a precious rock that is popular in China.

Jadeite is a rare mineral that is extremely tough.

It belongs to the clinopyroxene family of minerals.

Jadeite is recognized by its green color( brought about by its chemical composition) and aggregates of fibrous crystals arranged compactly.

Chromomelanite is a deep green form of jadeite in which iron has been substituted for some aluminum, whereas Imperial Jade, the most precious type of jade, is tinted a vivid emerald green by chromium traces.

Chemical composition

Jadeites belong to the pyroxene group of minerals with the chemical formula: NaAlSi2O6 or Na(Al, Fe3+)Si2O6.

Physical characteristics

Jadeite is a dense stone with a specific gravity of approximately 3.4. This rock is hard with a Mohs score of 6.5 to 7. It splinters upon impact.

Common appearance

Jadeite may be found in various hues, although it is most commonly found in shades of green or white, depending on the chemical constituents.

Among the most popular hues are apple green, and emerald green.

Rockhounding locations of Jadeite

Imperial Jade, the finest grade of Jadeite, is mined in Myanmar.

Additionally, the United States, Italy, Guatemala, and Russia have considerable jadeite resources that interest amateur rockhounds.

California’s central coast is home to several public beaches where you may find jade.

It can also be found in the water near the rocky shoreline.

If you’re looking for jadeite in the United States, head to Jade Cove, which is approximately an hour’s drive south of Monterrey, in King City, California.

Because it is a public beach, there is no admission fee.

Olivine

One of the most often found minerals on the planet, olivine is also a significant rock-forming material.

Peridot, a beautiful green gemstone, is made up of olivine.

According to current theories, magnesium-rich olivines are the most prevalent element of the Earth’s upper mantle.

Olivine is named because of its characteristic olive-green hue, which is assumed to be caused by nickel residues. Oxidation of iron can give it a reddish tint.

Chemical composition

Chemically, olivines belong to the group nesosilicates, composed of magnesium iron silicate ((Mg, Fe)2SiO4).

Physical characteristics

This beautiful rock has poor cleavage patterns, with a Mohs score of 6.5 to 7, and a specific gravity of 3.2 to 4.4.

Common appearance

Olivines are typically olive green in color, however they can range from yellow-green to brilliant green in hue.

It has a translucent appearance and a vitreous luster.

Rockhounding locations of Olivine

Rockhounds may find olivines at Peridot Mesa, located in San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, Arizona.

Olivine may occur in several areas in New Mexico.

The Buell Park region, located in McKinley County, is one such area where rockhounds can also search for olivines.

Antigorite

Antigorite is a phyllosilicate serpentine mineral with a lamellated, monoclinic crystal structure.

In comparison to other fibrous forms, antigorite tends to be more solid.

It is a serpentine polymorph found often in low-temperature, high-pressure (or high-deformation) settings.

Geological formations containing antigorite are typically heavily deformed and have unique textures, suggestive of the dynamic environment in which they formed.

The green hue of antigorite is caused by the substitution of iron for magnesium.

Chemical composition

The serpentine group of minerals has the following general formula: (X)2-3(Y)2O5(OH)4.

Antigorite is a phyllosilicate serpentine rock having the optimum chemical formula (Mg, Fe2+)3Si2O5(OH)4.

Physical characteristics

The majority of serpentines are opaque to translucent, with a specific gravity ranging between 2.5 and 2.6.

Serpentine rocks are soft with a Mohs hardness score of 3.5-4.

Antigorite with lamellated crystals is found in tough, pleated masses.

Common appearance

The dark-green color, patterned appearance, and slippery look of antigorite are the most noticeable appearance of the stone.

It is from this that the group name “serpentine” comes from.

Rockhounding locations of Antigorite

You may find antigorite and other serpentine rocks if you go rockhounding across the Coast Ranges and the Klamath Mountains of central and northern California.

They can also occur in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Conclusion

Chlorite, jadeite, olivine, and antigorite are some intriguing green rocks occurring in several locations.

The majority of amateur rockhounds would be delighted to have these stunning stones in their collections.