Title

हरितोपल (Chlorite)

Rare

Haritopala

Chlorite

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Descriptionक्लोराइट - 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
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/chlorite
API Endpoint
https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/chlorite
Total Sites1
Primary Sites1
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

Material Types

Types
Mineral
Phyllosilicate
Silicate Mineral

Regions

Regions
Global (Metamorphic Rock Regions)

Historical Context

Time Periods
Precambrian to Present

Geographic Sources

Sources
Metamorphic rocks
Hydrothermal veins

Properties

Properties
Soft (Mohs hardness 2-2.5)
Green color (various shades)
Perfect basal cleavage
Hydrous magnesium iron aluminosilicate
Monoclinic crystal system

Common Uses

Uses
Greenstone aggregate
Pigment (historically)
Potential indicator of alteration in stone
Soapstone substitute

Related Materials

Materials
Quartz
Feldspar
Mica
Serpentine
Talc

Related Categories

Categories
Varies depending on the host rock

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Presence indicates alteration and weathering
  • Contributes to stone decay in certain conditions
  • Requires careful assessment for structural integrity
  • Susceptible to acid attack

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
Mineralogical Society of AmericaReferenceMineral properties

Heritage Sites (1)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Rajarani Temple Bhubaneswar
Primary
100%

Frequently Asked Questions