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lizardite
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lizardite

mineral
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Quick Summary

Lizardite is a fine-grained, platy variety of serpentine, a group of hydrous magnesium-rich silicate minerals. Serpentine minerals are formed by the addition of water to various magnesium silicates at temperatures below 500Ā°C. They are typically found in altered rocks within geological formations like island arcs and mountain chains.1

Lizardite belongs to the 1:1 layer silicate group, with a general formula of Mg3Si2O5(OH)4. Its platy structure is thought to be due to substitutions of aluminum or ferric iron for silicon and magnesium. Serpentine minerals, including lizardite, can be polished and are sometimes used as ornamental stones.21

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. serpentine
  2. clay mineral - Kaolin - serpentine group

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