Kämmererite Crystals aka Chromian Clinochlore
Kämmererite is a rare mineral that's a chromium bearing variety of clinochlore. The gemstone seraphinite comes from the mineral clinochlore.
Described in 1841 by Finnish mineralogist Nils Gustaf Nordenskiöld, it was named ten years later after August Alexander Kämmerer. This chemist and author was a senior official in the Mining Department of Russia.
Kämmererite is very soft and grades 2 to 2.5 on Mohs scale of hardness. It's also known as chromian clinochlore.
Translucent crystals are even rarer than material which occurs in masses. They exhibit red to purplish-red or a cranberry-red colour. The term massive describes a mineral whose crystals have tightly intergrown to form one large mass.
The colour of kämmererite crystals is caused by chromium.
Although kämmererite can be found in a few different countries, the finest grade material comes from Turkey.
These crystals are highly polished and boast exceptional colour. They should be handled carefully and ideally as little as possible. They're classed as a medium to large sized stone but sizes do vary from piece to piece.
The crystals in our photos are the only pieces we currently have available.
