Stichtite
Stichtite · Mineral Specimen and Rare Collector Stone
Crystal System
Trigonal, typically found as massive, micaceous, or compact aggregates
Mineral Group
Carbonates (Hydrotalcite supergroup)
Chemical Formula
Mg6Cr2CO3(OH)16·4H2O
Formation Process
Secondary alteration/metasomatic process formed by the alteration of chromite-bearing serpentinites through hydrothermal activity
About This Crystal
A small, tumbled pebble displaying a vibrant magenta to deep pinkish-purple color mottled with dark green or black patches, which typically represents intergrown serpentine or chromite. It has a waxy to greasy luster and is opaque.
Physical Characteristics
Color ranges from lilac and pink to deep violet-red with green matrix; streak is pale lilac; cleavage is perfect in one direction (rarely seen in tumbled form); fracture is uneven; specific gravity is approximately 2.1 to 2.2; tenacity is sectile to flexible in thin flakes
Optical Properties
Uniaxial positive, refractive index is roughly 1.52 to 1.55, birefringence is weak, non-pleochroic in massive form
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Dundas, Tasmania, Australia; also found in Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa, and Scotland
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 1.5 to 2, making it very soft and fragile; poor wearability for jewelry unless stabilized or used in protected settings like pendants or earrings
Care & Maintenance
Extremely soft and sensitive to acids, scratching, and water soaking; clean gently with a soft dry cloth or slightly damp cloth; store separately from harder stones to prevent severe scratching
Rarity & Value
Rare mineral collector specimen; value depends on color saturation, amount of contrasting green matrix, and polish quality; typically moderate in price for small tumbled pieces
Special Characteristics
Striking natural magenta-purple color caused by chromium substituting for aluminum or iron within the magnesium carbonate hydroxide structure, often combined naturally with green serpentine
Lore & History
First discovered in 1910 in Tasmania and named after Robert Sticht, manager of the Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company. In modern metaphysical practices, it is often associated with the heart chakra and emotional healing, believed to promote compassion, peace, and release of stress.