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, 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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