It is found in hydrothermal deposits and contact and regionally metamorphosed dolomitic limestones, most notably skarn deposits and in some serpentinite rocks. Crystals when found are very complex with many competing forms adding many different and seemingly unrelated faces. Most often the individual crystals appear rounded or granular. Color is commonly yellow, but also brown, reddish brown and red. Luster is bright vitreous to resinous.
Crystals are translucent with some unusual specimens being transparent.
Good crystals show multiple facets without discernible symmetry. Also found massive. Fracture is subconchoidal. Twinning may be seen as lamellar striations and some specimens display yellow fluorescence. Best Field Indicators are crystal habit, color, luster, cleavage, environment of formation and hardness.