antigorite

Antigorite is a lamellated, monoclinic mineral in the phyllosilicate serpentine subgroup with the ideal chemical formula of (Mg,Fe2+)3Si2O5(OH)4. It is the high-pressure polymorph of serpentine and is commonly found in metamorphosed serpentinites. Antigorite, and its serpentine polymorphs, play an important role in subduction zone dynamics due to their relative weakness and high weight percent of water (up to 13 weight % H2O). It is named after its type locality, the Geisspfad serpentinite, Valle Antigorio in the border region of Italy/Switzerland and is commonly used as a gemstone in jewelry and carvings.

== Geologic occurrences == Antigorite is found in low-temperature, high-pressure (or high-deformation) environments, including both extensional and compressional tectonic regimes. Serpentines are commonly found in the ultramafic greenschist facies of subduction zones, and are visible on the Earth's surface through secondary exhumation. Serpentinites that contain antigorite are usually highly deformed and show distinct textures, indicative of the dynamic region where they were formed. Antigorite serpentinites commonly have associated minerals of magnetite, chlorite, and carbonates. Olivine under hydrothermal action, low grade metamorphism and weathering will transform into antigorite, which is often associate with talc and carbonate. + + → + → + +