Clinohedrite is a prized fluorescent mineral best known from the Franklin-Sterling Hill mining district. It typically forms prismatic crystals or radial sprays that exhibit a characteristic, vivid orange fluorescence under shortwave ultraviolet light.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Clinohedrite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this clinohedrite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch clinohedrite with a known reference. Clinohedrite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Clinohedrite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Clinohedrite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellow, pink, green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates, massive.

Often confused with

Clinohedrite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside clinohedrite

Minerals reported to co-occur with clinohedrite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: CaZn(SiO₄)·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 3.3 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Yellow Pink Green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals, Radial Aggregates, Massive
Cleavage: Perfect On {010}
Fluorescence: Bright Orange Under SW UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Zinc Ore Deposits
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail, $200+ cabinet specimen

Where rockhounds find clinohedrite

Classic worldwide localities

Franklin, New Jersey, USA
Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA
Tsumeb, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed zinc ore deposits country — that is the host setting where clinohedrite typically forms. If you start seeing willemite, franklinite, hardystonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, radial aggregates, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify clinohedrite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, yellow, pink.

Where is clinohedrite found?+

Notable localities include Franklin, New Jersey, USA; Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA; Tsumeb, Namibia.

How much is clinohedrite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 thumbnail, $200+ cabinet specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is clinohedrite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains zinc, wash hands after handling specimens, especially if powdering occurs. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like clinohedrite?+

Clinohedrite is most often confused with Hemimorphite, Willemite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with clinohedrite?+

Clinohedrite commonly co-occurs with Willemite, Franklinite, Hardystonite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does clinohedrite form in?+

Clinohedrite typically forms in metamorphosed zinc ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is clinohedrite used for?+

Clinohedrite is used in collector.

Find clinohedrite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.