Antigorite

/ænˈtɪɡəraɪt/ noun

Definition

A green, waxy mineral form of serpentine (magnesium silicate) commonly found in metamorphic rocks.

Etymology

From Antigo, Wisconsin (where it was first found) + -ite (mineral suffix). Named in the 19th century following mineral nomenclature conventions of identifying minerals by their discovery location.

Kelly Says

Antigorite is the high-temperature form of serpentine and reveals amazing geological processes—finding it tells geologists the rock was exposed to extreme pressure and heat deep underground!

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