Stichtite
| Colour | Purple, Pink |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 1.5–2 |
| Lustre | Waxy to resinous |
| Streak | Very pale lilac to white |
| Crystal system | Trigonal |
| Transparency | Transparent |
| Cleavage | Perfect on {0001} |
| Chemical formula | Mg 6 Cr 2 CO 3 (OH) 16 ·4H 2 O |
| Specific gravity | 2.16 |
What is Stichtite?
Stichtite is a mineral, a carbonate of chromium and magnesium; formula Mg6Cr2CO3(OH)16·4H2O. Its colour ranges from pink through lilac to a rich purple colour. It is formed as an alteration product of chromite-containing serpentine. It occurs in association with barbertonite (the hexagonal polymorph of Mg6Cr2CO3(OH)16·4H2O), chromite and antigorite.
How to identify Stichtite
- Lustre: Waxy to resinous.
- Hardness: Mohs 1.5–2 — soft; a knife will scratch it.
- Streak: Very pale lilac to white.
- Habit: Trigonal crystal system.
Stichtite in different forms
Stones often confused with Stichtite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Stichtite?
Stichtite is Mohs 1.5–2 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Stichtite?
Stichtite is typically purple, pink (Lilac to rose-pink).