Baileychlore is a rare, zinc-rich member of the chlorite group that typically forms as platy or micaceous aggregates. It is primarily identified by its deep green color and occurrence in zinc-rich ore deposits, often appearing as coatings or intergrowths with other metallic minerals.
Is this baileychlore?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch baileychlore with a known reference. Baileychlore sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Baileychlore leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Baileychlore typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark green, olive green, blackish green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, foliated masses, micaceous aggregates.
Often confused with
Baileychlore vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside baileychlore
Minerals reported to co-occur with baileychlore. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Zn,Fe²⁺,Al,Mg)₆(Si,Al)₄O₁₀(OH,O)₈
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 3.08-3.15 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Foliated Masses, Micaceous Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Zinc-rich Hydrothermal Deposits and Metamorphic Environments
- Typical price
- $20-150 for mineral specimens depending on quality and size
Where rockhounds find baileychlore
Classic worldwide localities
- Sullivan Mine, British Columbia, Canada
- Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA
- Franklin, New Jersey, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in zinc-rich hydrothermal deposits and metamorphic environments country — that is the host setting where baileychlore typically forms. If you start seeing sphalerite, gahnite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, foliated masses, micaceous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify baileychlore?+
Where is baileychlore found?+
How much is baileychlore worth?+
What rocks look like baileychlore?+
What minerals are found with baileychlore?+
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Find baileychlore on the map
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