How do I identify Amesite?

Amesite can be identified by its hardness of 2.5 - 3 on the Mohs scale, Originally pale grayish blue-green color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Amesite?

Amesite typically appears in Originally pale grayish blue-green, also white, colourless, pale green, pink to lilac (chromian). Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

Amesite has a hardness of 2.5 - 3 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.

How to Identify Amesite | Properties, Meaning & Uses

What is Amesite?

Amesite is a mineral with general formula of Mg2Al2SiO5(OH)4. Amesite crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system. It contains three axes of unequal length, not at right angles. It was first described in 1876 for an occurrence in the Chester Emery Mines, Chester, Hampden County, Massachusetts. It was named for mine owner James Ames. It occurs in an environment of low-grade metamorphism affecting rocks with high aluminium and magnesium content. It occurs associated with vesuvianite, chlorite, magnetite, rutile, diaspore, grossular, calcite, diopside and clinozoisite in various locations. Amesite is an uncommon silicate mineral which has been reported from a variety of locations worldwide. Amesite has the first reported natural occurrence of the 6R polytype for a trioctahedral 1:1 layer silicate.

Amesite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Amesite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Amesite Localities Map

See where Amesite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

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North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color: Originally pale grayish blue-green, also white, colourless, pale green, pink to lilac (chromian)
Hardness (Mohs): 2.5 - 3
Density: 2.7 g/cm³
Streak: White with very pale green tint