Stichtite

Stichtite or atlantisite meaning and properties. A carbonate of chromium and magnesium. Alteration product of chromite containing serpentine

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Stichtite properties

A mineral, a carbonate of chromium and magnesium; formula Mg6Cr2CO3(OH)16·4H2O. Its colour ranges from pink through lilac to a rich purple colour. It is formed as an alteration product of chromite containing serpentine. It occurs in association with barbertonite (the hexagonal polymorph of Mg6Cr2CO3(OH)16·4H2O), chromite and antigorite.

Discovered in 1910 on the west coast of Tasmania, Australia, it was first recognised by A.S. Wesley a former chief chemist with the Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company, it was named after Robert Carl Sticht the manager of the mine.

Stichtite in serpentine

this mixture of Stichtite in Serpentine is now called Atlantasite

Sources

It is observed in combination with green serpentine at Stichtite Hill near the Dundas Extended Mine, Dundas – east of Zeehan, as well as on the southern shore of Macquarie Harbour. It is exhibited in the West Coast Pioneers Museum in Zeehan. The only commercial mine is located on Stichtite Hill.

The stones has also been reported from the Barberton District, Transvaal; Darwendale, Zimbabwe; near Bou Azzer, Morocco; Cunningsburgh, the Shetland Islands of Scotland; Langban, Varmland, Sweden; the Altai Mountains, Russia; Langmuir Township, Ontario and the Megantic, Quebec; Bahia, Brazil; and the Keonjhar district, Orissa, India

Carbonate

A rare and unusual carbonate. It forms in mostly compact masses or micaceous aggregates and is in stark contrast to the majority of carbonates that form well shaped, large and abundant crystals. Its most common locality is near Dundas on the Island of Tasmania and in fact almost all specimens sold in rock shops and from mineral dealers have Dundas listed as the source.

The stone has a some what dull purplish pink to purplish rose-red color. Its color, although similar in description to the other rose-red carbonates, it is actually distinctive in its own right when viewed together with the other pink carbonates.

Rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite is much more redder and has white bands, sphaerocobaltite is more pinkish and stichtite is more purplish. Also adding to the distinction is the fact that the other two carbonates are more crystallized and glassy and The stone comes from only a very few sources. Massive green serpentine is usually associated with this stone and the green and purplish pink combination can make for an attractive specimen or an ornamental stone carving.

Stichtite meaning and properties

The following section is pseudo scientific and based on cultural beliefs.

Atlantisite combines the earthly powers of Serpentine, with the loving and compassionate energies. The stone stimulate kundalini energy and links the crown and heart chakras together.

The stone has a profoundly loving vibration. Its energy has a strong effect within the heart chakra and higher heart chakra also known as the thymus chakra. It is helpful to heal unresolved issues, as it stimulates feelings of love, compassion, forgiveness and healing of emotional distress.

FAQ

What is stichtite used for?

Metaphysical healers use the crystal to assist in restoring emotional and physical health after illness, depression or emotional trauma. The stone has a strong effect on the heart, third eye and crown chakras.

For the purpose of kundalini awakening, you could combine it with Serpentine, Shiva Lingam, Seraphinite, Atlantasite and/or red Jasper.

Where is stichtite found?

The stone is found at a number of places majorly on the island of Tasmania in Australia as well as in South Africa and Canada. The gem was first time discovered in 1910. The crystal is formed from hydrated magnesium carbonate mineral.

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