Garnierite is a generic name given to a mineral composed of green nickel. It is formed by lateritic alteration of ultramafic rocks and is found in various nickel laterite deposits around the world. Since the name garnierite is not a valid name according to the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (CNMNC), no defined chemical composition or formula has been universally adopted for this mineral. Garnierite is a layered silicate. The main difference between the variants of this mineral similar to serpentinite and talc with the latter is the spacing between the layers in the structure, observed in X-ray powder diffraction studies. It has a mainly green color, which can vary from yellow- light green to dark green. The color comes from the presence of nickel in the mineral structure. In general, darker green garnierites have a higher Ni content, higher specific gravity and higher average refractive index than lighter green garnierites.
Dimensions
Height (cm): 5-7
Depth (cm): 3
Width (cm): 5
Weight (g): 120-160
Property
Chemical Formula: -
Mohs scale: -
Relative density: 2.5-3
Crystalline System: -