Clino-ferro-suenoite is a rare member of the amphibole group found primarily in manganese-rich metamorphic environments. It typically occurs as prismatic to fibrous masses and is best identified by its association with unique manganese minerals in localities like Franklin, New Jersey.
Is this clino-ferro-suenoite?
4-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-suenoite with a known reference. Clino-ferro-suenoite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: silky to vitreous.
- 3Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellowish brown, greenish gray, colorless.
- 4Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, fibrous, massive.
Often confused with
Clino-ferro-suenoite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads silky to vitreous on Clino-ferro-suenoite and vitreous on Tremolite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads silky to vitreous on Clino-ferro-suenoite and vitreous, silky on Actinolite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads silky to vitreous on Clino-ferro-suenoite and vitreous on Cummingtonite.
Often found alongside clino-ferro-suenoite
Minerals reported to co-occur with clino-ferro-suenoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- □Mn₂Fe₅(Si₈O₂₂)(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.34 g/cm³
- Luster
- Silky to vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic crystals, fibrous, massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {110}, with intersections at ~55° and ~125°
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- An uncommon mineral in metamorphosed iron-poor manganiferous rocks
Where rockhounds find clino-ferro-suenoite
Classic worldwide localities
- Dannemora, Uppland, Sweden
- Uttersvik and Nävekvarn, Södermanland, Sweden
- Brunsjö mine, near Grythyttan, Örebro, Sweden
- Brunsjogrovan, Hallefors, and at Väster Silfberg, Värmland, Sweden
- Haute-Maurienne, Isère, France
- Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: An uncommon mineral in metamorphosed iron-poor manganiferous rocks. If you start seeing calcite, quartz, garnet in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, fibrous, massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify clino-ferro-suenoite?+
Where is clino-ferro-suenoite found?+
What rocks look like clino-ferro-suenoite?+
What minerals are found with clino-ferro-suenoite?+
What kind of rock does clino-ferro-suenoite form in?+
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Find clino-ferro-suenoite on the map
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