Lizardite

 ( Serpentine Group ) 

Lizardite is a mineral from the serpentine subgroup

with formula , and the most common type of mineral in the subgroup. It is also a member of the kaolinite-serpentine group.

(1997). 9780471193104, Wiley. ISBN 9780471193104

Lizardite may form a solid solution series with the nickel-bearing népouite (pure endmember: ). Intermediate compositions are possible, with varying proportions of magnesium and nickel. However, the lizardite end-member is much more common than pure népouite, a relatively rare mineral most often formed by the alteration of ultramafic rocks.

Extremely fine-grained, scaly lizardite (also called orthoantigorite) comprises much of the serpentine present in "serpentine ". It is triclinic, has one direction of perfect cleavage, and may be white, yellow or green. Lizardite can be translucent or opaque, and have a soapy feel. It may be after enstatite, olivine or pyroxene, in which case the name bastite is sometimes applied. Bastite may have a silky lustre.

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Name Lizardite was named by Eric James William Whittaker and Jack Zussman in 1955 after the place it was first reported, the The Lizard, (from the ) in southern Cornwall, England, United Kingdom.

Scyelite is a synonym of lizardite.

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Characteristics

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Chemistry Antigorite and lizardite commonly coexist Metastability;

(2007). 9780195165081, Oxford University Press, USA. . ISBN 9780195165081

lizardite may also be able to turn into antigorite at over 350 degrees.

(2014). 9780444626110, Elsevier. . ISBN 9780444626110

Lizardite contains H₂O in excess of the nominal formula, as does chrysotile. It has a high amount of Fe₂O₃ and a low amount of FeO.

One study found that lizardite has a high amount of SiO₂ and a low amount of Al₂O₃.

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Formation Lizardite is commonly a result from the hydrothermal metamorphism or Metamorphism of mafic minerals such as olivine, pyroxene or amphibole, in ultrabasic rocks.

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Occurrence

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Geological occurrence

Lizardite is commonly found in ophiolite and is often intergrown with brucite. It is also found with magnetite and the other serpentine minerals.

(2012). 9789400914438, Springer Science & Business Media. . ISBN 9789400914438

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Locations found

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Canada

As of 1989, only a single specimen of lizardite had been found in Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec where it may occur in altered .

(1989). 9780521326322, CUP Archive. . ISBN 9780521326322

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United States

Lizardite can be found in the United States. In Pennsylvania It was discovered in the 1960s.

Arthur Montgomery (2025). 9781422317860, Academy of Natural Sciences. . ISBN 9781422317860

With it being the most abundant mineral in Nottingham County Park.

Frank James Pazzaglia (2006). 9780813700083, Geological Society of America. . ISBN 9780813700083

In Minnesota it can be found on the north shore of Lake Superior.

In Montana, the Stillwater igneous complex is a prominent location for the mineral.

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United Kingdom

Lizardite has a type locality at Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall, in the United Kingdom. It is found in green, red purple, brown and black form and used as both a semi-precious gemstone or for ornamental uses.

Scotland is a notable source of lizardite. Lizardite has been reported in Wales. At Holy Island, Anglesey lizardite has been found to be associated with antigorite.

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South Africa

In the Frank Smith mine located in South Africa, lizardite was the dominant serpentine mineral.

Orange lizardite has been found at the Wessels mine.

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Other

It can also be found in Japan, Italy, and Australia.

Categories: Serpentine Group

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