Information about Greenalite

Greenalite is a silicate mineral that is typically green to olive-green in colour, with a waxy or dull lustre.

It commonly forms in fine-grained, granular, or compact masses, often appearing earthy or soft in texture. The mineral is rarely found in well-formed crystals and is often associated with iron-rich sedimentary rocks, particularly banded iron formations.

When viewed under a microscope, greenalite appears as spherical aggregates or minute, rounded grains. Its soft, powdery texture and distinctive green color make it easy to identify in hand specimens.

Uses and History

Greenalite is primarily of scientific and geological interest rather than industrial use. It plays a key role in understanding the formation of banded iron formations, which are significant as iron ore deposits.

Greenalite was first described in 1903 and is named after its characteristic green colour. Its type locality is Biwabik, St. Louis County, Minnesota, USA.

Mineralogy

Hazards and Warnings

Mineral collectors should wash their hands after handling specimens, to avoid any exposure to potential toxins.

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

Further Reading / External Links

• https://www.mindat.org/min-1745.html
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenalite
• https://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/greenalite.pdf
• http://webmineral.com/data/Greenalite.shtml