The oxide layers have the same structure as brucite . Norbergite is the only member of the group with just one olivine layer which alternates with the brucite layer. This formula distinguishes the chemistry of the two layers. The most common member of the Humite Group is chondrodite which has two olivine layers between each brucite layer. Humite , the namesake of the group, has three.
Color is white, yellow, tan, brown, orange or red.
Luster is vitreous to resinous. Crystals are transparent to translucent. Crystal Habits include small prismatic to rounded crystals, but as is most commonly the case, as embedded indistinct grains. Cleavage is poor in one direction, basal. Fracture is subconchoidal.