Fuchsite

Fuchsite is a variation of Muscovite, with a higher than average level of Chromium creating a distinctive green apple colour.

Fuchsite is very soft, around 2.5 on the Mohs scale – it is therefore mainly used as a mineral specimen.

In some cases, Corundum/Ruby crystals are found occurring within Fuchsite, often with Kyanite banding. This material tends to be known as ‘Ruby in Fuchsite’.

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Appearance, Uses and History

Fuchsite is a green mineral – a chromium rich variant of Muscovite.

Fuchsite typically appears as tiny granural pieces scattered through the stone, but sometimes rocks made almost entirely of Fuchsite are found – these are sold as Verdite.

Both of these minerals are used for decorative purposes – Verdite and Fuchsite are both often carved. In some cases, they are cut en cabochon for jewellery usage.

Corundum can occur in Fuchsite, which then becomes known as ‘Ruby in Fuchsite’, another popular material for jewellery making.

When Quartz has a number of green Fuchsite and Mica inclusions, it is known as ‘Green Aventurine’, as the inclusions cause a sparkling effect across the stones surface.

Locales

Fuchsite is found in Australia, Austria, Brazil, India, Italy, Madagascar, Norway, Peru, Russia, Tanzania, and the UK.

Mineralogy

Chemistry
Chromium rich Mica – K(Al,Cr)2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2
Colours and Variations
Light to medium green colour depending on Chromium level.
Streak
White, often with green flakes
Luster
Vitreous to pearly
Fracture
Uneven
Crystal habit
Layered plates, massive. Rarely, tabular crystals are found.
Mohs hardness
2.5
Specific Gravity
2.8 – 2.9
Easiest testing method
Visual inspection and hardness test.
Common Treatments

Hazards and Warnings

Almost all rocks, minerals (and, frankly, almost all other substances on earth) can produce toxic dust when cutting, which can cause serious respiratory conditions including silicosis.

When cutting or polishing rocks, minerals, shells, etc, all work should be done wet to minimise the dust, and a suitable respirator or extraction system should be used.

Translations

Arabic:

  • الكروم المسكوفيت

Hindi:

  • क्रोम अभ्रक

Portuguese:

  • mica de cromo
  • moscovita cromo

Bengali:

Indonesian:

  • krom muskovit

Punjabi:

English:

  • fuchsite
  • chrome mica
  • chrome muscovite

Italian:

  • muscovite cromata

Russian:

  • хромовая слюда

French:

Japanese:

  • フクサイト
  • クロムマイカ
  • クロム白雲母

Spanish:

  • fucsita
  • mica de cromo
  • moscovita de cromo

German:

  • Chrommuscovit
  • Fuchsit
  • Chrom Muskovit

Korean:

  • 크롬 운모

Thai:

Gujurati:

Mandarin and Traditional Chinese:

  • 铬云母
  • 铬白云母
  • 鉻白雲母

Urdu:

Further Reading / External Links