Clino-ferro-ferri-holmquistite is a rare lithium-rich orthorhombic amphibole typically found as an alteration product of spodumene in pegmatite deposits. Collectors usually find it as dark, fibrous, or acicular prismatic crystals embedded in granite-pegmatite matrices.
Is this clino-ferro-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-ferro-ferri-holmquistite with a known reference. Clino-ferro-ferri-holmquistite sits at Mohs 5.5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Clino-ferro-ferri-holmquistite leaves a greyish white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Clino-ferro-ferri-holmquistite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark green, black, brownish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, fibrous aggregates.
Often confused with
Clino-ferro-ferri-holmquistite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Clino-ferro-ferri-holmquistite leaves greyish white, Holmquistite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Clino-ferro-ferri-holmquistite leaves greyish white, Arfvedsonite leaves grey to bluish-grey.
Often found alongside clino-ferro-ferri-holmquistite
Minerals reported to co-occur with clino-ferro-ferri-holmquistite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Li₂ (Fe²⁺₃Fe³⁺₂) Si₈O₂₂ (OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6
- Density
- 3.3-3.4 g/cm³
- Streak
- Greyish White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Fibrous Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Prismatic
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Lithium-bearing Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find clino-ferro-ferri-holmquistite
Classic worldwide localities
- Yinnietharra, Western Australia
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in lithium-bearing pegmatites country — that is the host setting where clino-ferro-ferri-holmquistite typically forms. If you start seeing spodumene, quartz, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, fibrous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify clino-ferro-ferri-holmquistite?+
Where is clino-ferro-ferri-holmquistite found?+
How much is clino-ferro-ferri-holmquistite worth?+
What rocks look like clino-ferro-ferri-holmquistite?+
What minerals are found with clino-ferro-ferri-holmquistite?+
What kind of rock does clino-ferro-ferri-holmquistite form in?+
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Find clino-ferro-ferri-holmquistite on the map
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