Clinoferrosilite is a rare monoclinic pyroxene found primarily in high-grade metamorphic iron formations. It is difficult to distinguish from orthopyroxene without laboratory analysis and is most prized by advanced mineral collectors specializing in silicate species.
Is this clinoferrosilite?
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 clinoferrosilite with a known reference. Clinoferrosilite 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. Clinoferrosilite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Clinoferrosilite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, greenish-brown, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Clinoferrosilite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside clinoferrosilite
Minerals reported to co-occur with clinoferrosilite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe₂Si₂O₆
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.8-3.9 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- Good in 2 Directions
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Rocks, Iron Formations
- Typical price
- $20-200 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find clinoferrosilite
Classic worldwide localities
- Japan
- USA
- Greenland
- Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic rocks, iron formations country — that is the host setting where clinoferrosilite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, fayalite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify clinoferrosilite?+
Where is clinoferrosilite found?+
How much is clinoferrosilite worth?+
What rocks look like clinoferrosilite?+
What minerals are found with clinoferrosilite?+
What kind of rock does clinoferrosilite form in?+
What is clinoferrosilite used for?+
Find clinoferrosilite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
