Bowenite Mineral Specimen

ANTIGORITE (var. BOWENITE)

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: The name “antigorite,” pronounced, ann-TEE-gore-ite, is derived from the Italy’s Valle de Antigorio, where it was first discovered.  Bowenite, pronounced BOW-en-ite, was named in 1850 in honor of the American chemist and mineralogist George Thomas Bowen (1803-1828).  Bowenite is collected in South Africa, Afghanistan, China, New Zealand, Austria, Pakistan, and the United States (Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Pennsylvania).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: Bowenite [basic magnesium silicate, Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄] crystallizes in the monoclinic system as compact masses.  It has a Mohs hardness of 2.5-4.0, a specific gravity of 2.4-2.75, perfect one-directional cleavage, an irregular fracture, and a resinous luster.  It is semitransparent to translucent, with colors ranging from dark-green and olive-green to light-green and greenish-yellow.  Bowenite is a metamorphic mineral that forms from the hydrothermal alteration of peridotite.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: Bowenite has no technological uses.  As a semiprecious gemstone with a jade-like appearance, it is fashioned into cabochons for wear as pendants.  According to metaphysical belief, bowenite is a “dream stone” that enhances the ability to recall dreams, helps release suppressed emotions through dream activity, and encourages separation from past experiences.  It is also considered to be a symbol of friendship, love, and thankfulness.  Bowenite is the official state mineral of Rhode Island.

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Bowenite is collected for its attractive, jade-like green colors.