Chondrodite
Chondrodite is a silicate mineral prized by collectors for its exceptional color range, with known Chinese sources.
About Chondrodite
Chondrodite is classified as a silicate mineral in the humite group and has the chemical formula Mg5(SiO4)2(F,OH)2. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and is one of the most visually varied minerals in the collector market.
Identification & care
Chondrodite typically forms rounded to anhedral grains; occasionally short prismatic crystals; typically disseminated in marble. Its color range is broad, including yellow, orange-yellow, red-orange, brown, and sometimes colorless. The luster is vitreous, resinous, the streak is white to pale yellow, and specimens range from transparent to translucent. The cleavage is poor {100}. The fracture is subconchoidal to uneven, which aids identification.
Collector context
Collector notes
For collectors, Chondrodite is a benchmark crystalline species. Chondrodite is widely represented across Chinese provinces, including Hunan, Yunnan, Hubei, Henan.