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Fuchsite also known as chrome mica, is a chromium (Cr) rich variety of the mineral muscovite, belonging to the mica group of phyllosilicate minerals, with the following formula: K(Al,Cr)2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2 Trivalent chromium replaces one of the aluminium (Al) atoms in the general muscovite formula producing the apple green hue distinctive of fuchsite. It is often found in minute micaceous aggregates (with individual plates barely visible), as a major component of chromium rich phyllitic or schistose metamorphic rocks of the greenschist facies. Verdite is a type of metamorphic rock made mostly of an impure, often multicolored, variety of fuchsite. It is used for ornamental carvings. Fuchsite is named after the German chemist and mineralogist Johann Nepomuk von Fuchs. Large deposits of fuchsite can be found in the Ural Mountains of Russia, Brazil, Zimbabwe, and India. (source: Wikipedia) Photos by Michael Marcotte Return to List Back to Michael's Hobbies page Back to Michael Marcotte's HomePage