Lizardite is a mineral of the serpentine group, a magnesium silicate that is formed under low temperature conditions and is a product of the alteration of ultramafic rocks rich in olivine and pyroxenes. Its name comes from the town of Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, England, where it was first discovered.
Properties:
- Color: Usually, lyzardite appears in shades of light green, but it can also have yellow, gray or brown hues.
- Radiance: Matte to the point of pearl.
- Transparency: Usually opaque, but rarely can be translucent into very thin fragments.
- Hardness: 2.5 – 4 on the Mohs scale, which means that it is a relatively soft mineral.
- Crystal system: Monoclinic.
- Chemical composition: The main chemical component is Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄, i.e. a hydrated magnesium silicate.
Uses:
- Jewelry and decorative objects: Due to its eye-catching green color, lizard is occasionally used to create jewellery, especially beads or carved pieces, but being a soft mineral, it is not very resistant to scratches.
- Ornamental rocks: It is appreciated for its use in decorative sculptures and mineral collections.
- Metaphysical properties: In the world of crystal therapy, lizard is associated with healing and balancing energies of the chakras, especially the heart chakra, having a reputation for bringing peace and encouraging connection with nature.
Lizardite is part of a larger family of serpentine minerals, and its appearance and uses make it prized by collectors and those looking for semi-precious stones for spiritual or decorative purposes alike.
