Clino-ferri-holmquistite is a rare lithium-bearing amphibole typically found at the contacts between lithium-rich pegmatites and host metamorphic rocks. It occurs as dark, elongated prismatic crystals or fibrous masses often associated with spodumene deposits. Collectors prize it for its unique chemistry and association with rare pegmatite mineral assemblages.
Is this clino-ferri-holmquistite?
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 clino-ferri-holmquistite with a known reference. Clino-ferri-holmquistite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Clino-ferri-holmquistite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Clino-ferri-holmquistite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark blue, blue-green, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: fibrous, prismatic, acicular aggregates.
Often confused with
Clino-ferri-holmquistite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside clino-ferri-holmquistite
Minerals reported to co-occur with clino-ferri-holmquistite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Li₂(Fe³⁺₂Mg₃)Si₈O₂₂ (OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.3-3.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Fibrous, Prismatic, Acicular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Prismatic
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Lithium-rich Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find clino-ferri-holmquistite
Classic worldwide localities
- Western Australia
- Sweden
- Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in lithium-rich pegmatites country — that is the host setting where clino-ferri-holmquistite typically forms. If you start seeing spodumene, quartz, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous, prismatic, acicular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify clino-ferri-holmquistite?+
Where is clino-ferri-holmquistite found?+
How much is clino-ferri-holmquistite worth?+
What rocks look like clino-ferri-holmquistite?+
What minerals are found with clino-ferri-holmquistite?+
What kind of rock does clino-ferri-holmquistite form in?+
What is clino-ferri-holmquistite used for?+
Find clino-ferri-holmquistite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
