VERDITE (CUT AND POLISHED) - South Africa

Verdite is the trade name for a colourful metamorphic rock that is mined for its use as an ornamental stone at many locations in South Africa. It is named from the Latin word viridis meaning ‘green’.

Verdite has a wide range of compositions but it primarily contains the chromium-rich mineral fuchsite, which gives it the green colour. Types of serpentine containing fuchsite are also mined as verdite. Because of its colour verdite is sometimes mistaken for Jade and is often sold as 'African Jade'.