A green chromium-rich variety of the mineral muscovite (mica) often used in decorative objects and jewelry.
Named after Johann Reinhold Forster, a naturalist, with the mineral suffix -ite. The green color comes from chromium impurities. The name was formalized in mineralogy during the 19th century when chromium-rich micas were systematically classified.
Fuchsite is basically mica that decided to be fancy by absorbing chromium and turning emerald green—it's used to make everything from decorative carvings to the glitter that catches light in some sparkly cosmetics. Its shimmer comes from the same layered crystal structure that makes all micas split into thin, reflective sheets.
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