ANTIGORITE (var. BOWENITE): Bowenite is the green gem variety of the serpentinite-group mineral antigorite. It is a metamorphic mineral that occurs in compact masses. Bowenite is a semiprecious gemstone and is collected for its jade-like green colors.
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.
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