Various studies have examined the composition of garnierite. The mean index of refraction of garnierite ranges from approximately 1.563 to 1.601. The Specific gravity of garnierite ranges from approximately 2.5 to 3. The authors suggested a talc monohydrate formula of HO(Mg,Ni)SiO(OH) for the talc-like garnierite. Garnierite is generally a fine grained mineral with poor crystalline structure. Garnierite was named for Jules Garnier in a paper by A. Liversidge in 1874. Garnierite is a green mineral, ranging from light yellow-green to dark green.