Chlorellestadite is a rare member of the apatite supergroup characterized by its complex substitution of silicate and sulfate groups. It typically occurs as small, hexagonal prismatic crystals within metamorphosed limestone environments, often associated with contact metamorphism.
Is this chlorellestadite?
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 chlorellestadite with a known reference. Chlorellestadite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chlorellestadite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Chlorellestadite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellowish, pale-brown, pale-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Chlorellestadite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside chlorellestadite
Minerals reported to co-occur with chlorellestadite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₅(SiO₄)₁٫₅(SO₄)₀٫₅(PO₄)₀٫₅Cl
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.1-3.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Limestone
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find chlorellestadite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sweden
- Russia
- USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic limestone country — that is the host setting where chlorellestadite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, diopside, forsterite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify chlorellestadite?+
Where is chlorellestadite found?+
How much is chlorellestadite worth?+
What rocks look like chlorellestadite?+
What minerals are found with chlorellestadite?+
What kind of rock does chlorellestadite form in?+
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Find chlorellestadite on the map
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