Garnierite is a common name for green nickel magnesium ores. It is not recognized formally as a distinct mineral because its chemistry varies greatly. Garnierite is created by the lateric weathering of ultramafic rocks like serpentine in tropical environments.
Moonstones from Sri Lanka, the classical country of origin of the moonstone, shimmer in pale blue on an almost transparent background. Specimens from India feature a nebulous interplay of light and shadow on a background of beige-brown, green, orange or brown.
