Global InformationChrome chalcedony information
| Chrome chalcedony | |
|---|---|
 Zimbabwean chrome chalcedony (known locally as mtorolite). Scale is in centimetres. | |
| General | |
| Category | Oxide mineral |
| Formula (repeating unit) | Silica (SiO2) |
| Crystal system | Trigonal or monoclinic[1] |
| Identification | |
| Formula mass | 60 g/mol |
| Color | Emerald green |
| Cleavage | Absent[2] |
| Fracture | Uneven, splintery, conchoidal[2] |
| Mohs scale hardness | 6–7[2] |
| Luster | Vitreous, dull, greasy, silky[2] |
| Streak | White |
| Diaphaneity | Translucent[2] |
| Specific gravity | Usually 2.60, sometimes greater than 2.62[3] |
Chrome chalcedony is a green variety of the mineral chalcedony, colored by small quantities of chromium.[4] Its name is derived from Mutorashanga, a small ferrochrome mining town in Zimbabwe where the mineral was discovered in the 1950s.[5]
It is most commonly found in Zimbabwe, where it is known as Mtorolite,[6] Mtorodite,[7] or Matorolite.[8] It is also marketed using the trade name, Aquaprase.
- ^ Heaney, Peter J. (1994). "Structure and Chemistry of the low-pressure silica polymorphs". Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry. 29: 1–40.
- ^ a b c d e Duda, Rudolf; Rejl, Lubos (1990). Minerals of the World. Arch Cape Press. ISBN 0-517-68030-0(Reference gives data for chalcedony in general.)
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link) - ^ "Insider Gemologist: What Are the Identifying Characteristics of the Different Varieties of Green Chalcedony?". GIA Insider. 7 (13). Gemological Institute of America. 2005.
- ^ Willing, M. J.; Stocklmayer, S.M. (2003). "A new chrome chalcedony occurrence from Western Australia". Gems & Gemology. 23: 265–279.
- ^ Murah, Mukundu (June 12, 2023). "Mtorolite Healing Properties, Mineralogy And Uses". The Mineralogie Company. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
- ^ Cairncross, Bruce (2005). Field Guide to Rocks & Minerals of Southern Africa. Struik. ISBN 1-86872-985-0.
- ^ Hey, M. H.; Embrey, P. G. (1974). "Twenty-eighth list of new mineral names" (PDF). Mineralogical Magazine. 39 (308): 903–932. Bibcode:1974MinM...39..903H. doi:10.1180/minmag.1974.039.308.15. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-06-10. Retrieved 2009-01-22.
- ^ Hey, M. H. (1970). "Twenty-sixth list of new mineral names" (PDF). Mineralogical Magazine. 37 (292): 954–967. Bibcode:1970MinM...37..954H. doi:10.1180/minmag.1970.037.292.19. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-06-10. Retrieved 2009-01-22.