Chlorite, specifically clinochlore

Mineralogically, seraphinite is clinochlore, a member of the chlorite group—sheet silicates (phyllosilicates) built from silicate layers with a brucite‑like interlayer. A handy description: a hydrated magnesium‑iron‑aluminum silicate with perfect basal cleavage.

About the name

“Seraphinite” is a trade name, inspired by the “seraph” or angel‑wing look of its silvery plumes. The term is widely used in the lapidary world for green, feathery clinochlore with strong sheen.

Metamorphic settings

Clinochlore forms during low‑ to medium‑grade metamorphism of magnesium‑rich rocks (e.g., altered ultramafics, greenschists). It can also grow in hydrothermal veins as a late alteration mineral.

Textural alignment

Deformation + growth pressure align the micaceous plates. Later polishing reveals directional sheen—the “plumes” usually sweep across the foliation direction like frost ferns on glass.

From rough to feathered glow

In the rough, clinochlore looks like a dark green, flaky schist. Once cut and domed along the foliation, the aligned platelets act like tiny mirrors and the iconic angel‑wing effect emerges.

Palette

• Deep forest green — the base color of clinochlore.
• Silvery‑white plumes — high‑reflectance plates catching the light.
• Cool grey‑green — zones with finer platelets or mixed chemistry.

The best stones show high contrast between the dark ground and brilliant silver feathers.

Pattern words

• Feather/fan — sweeping plumes that open from a point.
• Fern — branchy, frost‑like sprays.
• Wing fold — paired plumes mirroring across a central seam.
• Silk streak — continuous banded sheen along foliation.

Photo tip: One small light at ~25–30°. Keep the light still and tilt the cab—the plumes will “switch on” and glide like a spotlight across a stage.

Micaceous plates

At 10× you’ll see stacked, sheet‑like laminae with pearly reflections. Tiny step‑downs along the surface often mark cleavage planes.

Directional sheen

Rotate the stone: the silver “feathers” brighten and dim in sync, revealing the alignment of internal plates (the foliation direction).

Edge behavior

Look for delicate flake pull‑outs along edges—common in soft, micaceous stones. A good polish minimizes them, but gentle wear is key.

Serpentine (antigorite)

Green and sometimes silky, but generally more waxy than pearly and lacks consistent feather plumes. Hardness can be slightly higher (~3–5).

Fuchsite aventurine

Quartz with green mica sparkles. Much harder (Mohs 7) and shows glittery points rather than broad feathers.

Nephrite jade

Deep green fibrous intergrowth, tough and harder (~6–6.5). Feels denser and takes a glassier polish; patterns are felted, not feathery.

Chlorite schist (generic)

Many green schists exist. The “seraphinite” subset stands out for high‑contrast silver plumes under a polish.

Chlorite in quartz

Green inclusions inside clear quartz. The host is hard (7) and transparent; the chlorite forms gardens, not surface feathers.

Quick checklist

• Soft (scratches with a copper coin)?
• Pearly, micaceous sheen that moves together with tilt?
• Feather/fern plumes rather than points or bands?

Classic source

The variety popularly called “seraphinite” became known from the Lake Baikal region of Siberia (Russia), where dark green clinochlore with striking silver plumes is cut for cabochons and carvings.

Elsewhere

Feathery chlorite textures also occur in other metamorphic belts (e.g., parts of Central/ South Asia and the Alps). Color, plume density, and texture vary with chemistry and growth conditions.

Everyday care

• Clean with lukewarm water + mild soap and a soft cloth; dry promptly.
• Avoid ultrasonics, steam, and harsh chemicals.
• Store separately; even household dust (quartz) can scratch a soft, pearly surface over time.

Jewelry guidance

• Best as pendants, earrings, brooches. For rings/bracelets, use protective bezels and reserve for gentle wear.
• Avoid sharp blows to edges—micaceous cleavage can flake.

On the wheel

• Orient the dome so plumes fan across the apex (showtime!).
• Work cool with light pressure; pre‑polish thoroughly to 3k–8k.
• Finish with alumina/oxide on a soft pad; micro‑bevel edges to reduce flaking.
• Stabilize crumbly areas (when needed) with a transparent, reversible resin applied sparingly.

Feather chase

Hold a cab under a small flashlight and tilt. The silver plumes glide in unison, revealing the internal “grain” of the stone.

Gentle hardness clue

On a hidden corner of a rough offcut, a copper coin should leave a mark. It’s a quick reminder that seraphinite loves soft landings.