Lizardite

Lizardite is a mineral from the serpentine subgroup^[3] with formula Mg₃(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄, and the most common type of mineral in the subgroup.^[4] It is also a member of the kaolinite-serpentine group.^[5]

Lizardite
General
Category	Minerals
Formula	Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4[1]
IMA symbol	Lz[2]
Strunz classification	9.ED.15
Dana classification	71.01.2b.02
Crystal system	Trigonal
Identification
Color	Green, red, purple, black, brown, light yellow to white
Mohs scale hardness	2.5
Luster	Resinous, waxy, greasy
Streak	White
Specific gravity	2.55

Lizardite may form a solid-solution series with the nickel-bearing népouite (pure end-member: Ni₃(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄). Intermediate compositions (Mg,Ni)₃(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄ are possible, with varying proportions of magnesium and nickel.^[6] However, the lizardite end-member is much more common than pure népouite, a relatively rare mineral most often formed by the alteration of ultramafic rocks.

Extremely fine-grained, scaly lizardite (also called orthoantigorite) comprises much of the serpentine present in "serpentine marbles". It is triclinic, has one direction of perfect cleavage, and may be white, yellow or green. Lizardite can be translucent or opaque, and have a soapy feel. It may be pseudomorphous after enstatite, olivine or pyroxene, in which case the name bastite is sometimes applied. Bastite may have a silky lustre.^[1]

Name

Lizardite was named by Eric James William Whittaker and Jack Zussman in 1955 after the place it was first reported, the Lizard Peninsula, (from the Cornish: An Lysardh) in southern Cornwall, England, United Kingdom.

Scyelite is a synonym of lizardite.^[1]

Characteristics

Chemistry

Antigorite and lizardite commonly coexist metastably;^[7]: 24 lizardite may also be able to turn into antigorite at over 350 degrees.^[8]: 712

Lizardite contains H₂O in excess of the nominal formula, as does chrysotile. It has a high amount of Fe₂O₃ and a low amount of FeO.^[9]: 8

One study found that lizardite has a high amount of SiO₂ and a low amount of Al₂O₃.^[10]: 193

Formation

Lizardite is commonly a result from the hydrothermal metamorphism or retrograde metamorphism of mafic minerals such as olivine, pyroxene or amphibole, in ultrabasic rocks.^[11]

Occurrence

Geological occurrence

Lizardite is commonly found in ophiolite^[12] and is often intergrown with brucite.^[9]: 8 It is also found with magnetite^[11] and the other serpentine minerals.^{[13]: 118–119}

Locations found

Canada

As of 1989, only a single specimen of lizardite had been found in Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec where it may occur in altered pegmatites.^[14]: 184

United States

Lizardite can be found in the United States.^[15] In Pennsylvania It was discovered in the 1960s.^[16]: 55 With it being the most abundant mineral in Nottingham County Park.^[17]

In Minnesota it can be found on the north shore of Lake Superior.^[1]

In Montana, the Stillwater igneous complex is a prominent location for the mineral.^[15]

United Kingdom

Lizardite has a type locality at Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall, in the United Kingdom.^[1] It is found in green, red purple, brown and black form and used as both a semi-precious gemstone or for ornamental uses.

Scotland is a notable source of lizardite.^[18] Lizardite has been reported in Wales. At Holy Island, Anglesey lizardite has been found to be associated with antigorite.^[11]

South Africa

In the Frank Smith mine located in South Africa, lizardite was the dominant serpentine mineral.^[10]: 212

Orange lizardite has been found at the Wessels mine.^[19]

Other

It can also be found in Japan, Italy, and Australia.^[20]