| Title | हरितोपल (Chlorite)Rare Haritopala Chlorite |
|---|---|
| Description | क्लोराइट - Klorāiṭa (Chlorite), also known as हरितोपल (haritopala) or पर्णमणि (parṇamaṇi) [1], designates a group of hydrous magnesium iron aluminosilicate minerals belonging to the phyllosilicate family. Its characteristic green hue arises from its chemical composition. Exhibiting a Mohs hardness of 2-2.5, chlorite possesses perfect basal cleavage. Historically, it served as a pigment and a soapstone substitute. In Indic heritage architecture, while not a primary structural material, chlorite's presence within greenstone aggregates influenced durability. Its geological origin lies in metamorphic rock formations across the Indian subcontinent. Traditional quarries, often located in regions with Precambrian geological formations, provided sources of chlorite-bearing rocks. The presence of chlorite can indicate alteration processes within stone, impacting conservation strategies [2]. Understanding its role is crucial for preserving structures from various dynasties. Conservation efforts require careful assessment of chlorite's contribution to weathering [3]. |
| Also Known As | Chlorite Haritopala Chlorite Chlorite Group Minerals हरितोपल क्लोराइट पर्णमणि पर्णोपल |
| Tags | क्लोराइट Klorāiṭa Chlorite Phyllosilicate Mineral Green Mineral Metamorphic Mineral |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-077917906-20-11-25-KA |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/chlorite |
| API Endpoint | https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/chlorite |
| Total Sites | 1 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
External References
Material Types
| Types | Mineral Phyllosilicate Silicate Mineral |
|---|
Regions
| Regions | Global (Metamorphic Rock Regions) |
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Historical Context
| Time Periods | Precambrian to Present |
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Geographic Sources
| Sources | Metamorphic rocks Hydrothermal veins |
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Properties
| Properties | Soft (Mohs hardness 2-2.5) Green color (various shades) Perfect basal cleavage Hydrous magnesium iron aluminosilicate Monoclinic crystal system |
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Common Uses
| Uses | Greenstone aggregate Pigment (historically) Potential indicator of alteration in stone Soapstone substitute |
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Related Materials
| Materials | Quartz Feldspar Mica Serpentine Talc |
|---|
Related Categories
| Categories | Varies depending on the host rock |
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Conservation Notes
| Notes |
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Recommended Sources
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mineralogical Society of America | Reference | Mineral properties |
Heritage Sites (1)
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rajarani Temple Bhubaneswar | Primary | 100% |