Antigorite
ETYMOLOGY: From the location of Antigorio (Italy).
CRYSTAL SYSTEM: Monoclinic
PRINCIPLE OF FORMATION: Secondary.
MINERAL CLASS: Silicates.
CHEMICAL FORMULA, MINERAL ELEMENTS: (Mg, Fe)3Si2O5(OH)4,
HARDNESS: 2.5 to 3.5 on the Mohs scale.
FIELDS: South Africa, Italy, Finland, Austria, Germany, Norway, USA.
MINERALOGY: It is found in ultrabasic rocks like the serpentinite . generally appears as a product of alteration of some magnesium silicates, especially olivine, pyroxenes and amphiboles. It is usually found together with magnesite, chromite and magnetite. The location of the antigorite can be found in the igneous rocks as in the metamorphic ones and frequently occurs in disseminated particles.
MYTHOLOGY: The antigorite is also known as Williamsite (local variety of green oil with black crystals of chromite or magnetite) Gymnite ( is an amorphous form of antigorite). an amount of water in its structure of about 13% by weight.
PROPERTIES: Green minerals have a harmonizing and neutralizing effect, release feelings and intensify emotions, though by their discharge leads in the long run to inner peace. It brings initiative and will to live.
CHAKRAS: Spleen, heart.
ZODIAC SIGN: Gemini, Virgo, Capricorn.
USES: Meditation, ornamentation, In the transport of water in the earth in subduction zones and in the subsequent release of water.