CHLORITE

widespread group of layer silicate minerals occurring in both macroscopic and clay-grade sizes; they are hydrous aluminum silicates, usually of magnesium and iron. The name, from the Greek for "green," refers to chlorite's typical colour. Chlorites have a silicate layer structure similar to that in micas with compositions near (Mg,Fe,Al)3 (Si,Al)4O10(OH)2 and with brucitelike interlayers with compositions near (Mg,Fe,Al)3(OH)6. The overall composition is then (Mg,Fe,Al)6 (Si,Al)4O10(OH)8. Chlorites are divided into two groups: orthochlorites, which conform closely to the ideal chemical composition; and leptochlorites (many containing ferric iron), which may have been formed by the oxidation of the orthochlorites. The great many names found in older literature for chlorites with small variations of chemical composition are no longer used. The accepted names are: clinochlore (Mg-rich chlorite), chamosite (Fe-rich), nimite (Ni-rich), and pennantite (Mn-rich). Adjectival modifiers are used to indicate compositional variations. Chlorites characteristically occur as alteration products of other minerals. They are common rock-forming minerals in clastic sediments and in hydrothermally altered igneous rocks; chlorites are widespread and important constituents of such metamorphic rocks as greenschists or chlorite schists. For detailed structure and physical properties, see clay mineral (table).