Crossite
A variety of Minerals
What is Crossite?
Crossite is an inosilicate double chain sodic amphibole and is a rare silicate mineral belonging to the riebeckite group. It is considered an intermediate between the amphiboles glaucophane and magnesioriebeckite, which form a series. IMA status: discredited 1997. Crossite is named after Charles Whitman Cross, an American USGS petrologist.
Uses & Applications
Crossite is primarily valued by mineral collectors and geologists as a diagnostic mineral for high-pressure metamorphic environments. It has limited use in jewelry due to its rarity and is mainly of scientific interest.
Healing Properties
Believed to help with emotional resilience and adaptation to change. Said to promote inner strength, help overcome obstacles, and encourage perseverance through difficult transformations.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.647-1.669
- Pleochroism
- Strong
- Optical Character
- Biaxial negative
- Dispersion
- 0.017
Discover Values
This stone excels in collection value.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Crossite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Crossite Localities Map
See where Crossite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
The Meaning
As a rare blue amphibole, crossite is associated with transformation under pressure and resilience. It symbolizes adaptation, strength under stress, and the ability to maintain beauty despite challenging conditions.
Geochemistry
Crossite forms under high-pressure, low-temperature metamorphic conditions characteristic of subduction zones. It occurs in blueschist facies rocks and is an important indicator mineral for these specialized metamorphic environments.
Associated Chakras
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Blue, lavender-blue, dark blue
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6-6.5
- Density
- 3.1-3.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- Light blue
- Luster
- Vitreous to silky
- Crystal System
- Monoclinic
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Na2(Mg,Fe)3(Al,Fe)2Si8O22(OH)2
- Elements
- Na, Mg, Fe, Al, Si, O, H
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Crossite FAQs
How do I identify Crossite?
Crossite can be identified by its hardness of 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale, Blue color, Vitreous to silky luster, Monoclinic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Crossite?
Crossite typically appears in Blue, lavender-blue, dark blue. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Crossite?
Crossite has a hardness of 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
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