Gemstone profile and identification guide
Seraphinite
Seraphinite is a trade name for feather-pattern clinochlore used in decorative jewelry.
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Overview
Seraphinite is a trade name for feather-pattern clinochlore used in decorative jewelry.
Did you know? The name seraphinite references wing-like visual patterns.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Seraphinite
Scientific classification: Silicate (Clinochlore Variety Trade Name)
Hardness: 2.5 Mohs
Transparency: opaque
Lustre: silky
Crystal system: Monoclinic (chlorite group)
Primary colour: Dark Green
Secondary colour: Silver Feathering
Colour family: Greens
Feathery silver chatoyancy over dark green matrix is characteristic.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Trade-name and treatment-sensitive entries include explicit disclosure notes where applicable.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: soft
Hardness value: 2.5 Mohs
Chemical composition: Hydrated magnesium iron aluminum silicate (chlorite group)
Crystal system: Monoclinic (chlorite group)
Common locations: Russia (Lake Baikal region) and limited additional chlorite-bearing sources
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Dark green stone with silvery feather-like chatoyant patterns.
Optical effects: Chatoyant Feather Pattern
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Clinochlore (trade as seraphinite)
Mineral group: Chlorite group
Chemical formula: Hydrated magnesium iron aluminum silicate (chlorite group)
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Crystal system: Monoclinic (chlorite group)
Lustre: silky
Transparency: opaque
Streak: Pale green
Cleavage: Perfect basal cleavage
Fracture: Uneven
Specific gravity: 2.6-3.0
Refractive index: 1.57-1.60 (variable)
Optical phenomena: Silky chatoyant feathering
Colour range: Dark green with silver-white fibrous patterns
Common inclusions: Fibrous chlorite textures and matrix streaks
Geological environment: Metamorphic chlorite-rich zones
Principal mining regions: Russia (Lake Baikal region) and limited additional chlorite-bearing sources
Important commercial sources: Seraphinite is a trade name commonly applied to patterned clinochlore material
Historical significance: Modern trade decorative stone category.
Common treatments: Impregnation and stabilization may occur.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Dyed and printed composites can imitate.
Common look-alikes: Mica schists, green chatoyant composites
Jewellery uses: Used in cabochons and ornamental carvings in protected settings.
Care recommendations: Soft material; avoid abrasion, impact, and harsh cleaning methods.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Seraphinite.
Formation
Forms in metamorphic chlorite-bearing rocks.
Origin
Seraphinite is a trade name commonly applied to patterned clinochlore material
Uses
Best for: Used in cabochons and ornamental carvings in protected settings.
Ideal uses: Collector cabochons and low-wear jewelry.
Care
Soft material; avoid abrasion, impact, and harsh cleaning methods.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
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Seraphinite FAQ
How can I identify Seraphinite?
Compare hardness (2.5 Mohs), crystal system (Monoclinic (chlorite group)), colour profile, and lustre (silky) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Seraphinite appear in?
Dark green stone with silvery feather-like chatoyant patterns.
Where is Seraphinite commonly used?
Collector cabochons and low-wear jewelry.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 08 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 08 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 08 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 08 factual verification pass.