Clinozoisite is a common member of the epidote group typically found in low to medium-grade metamorphic rocks. It often forms elongated, prismatic crystals or fibrous aggregates and is distinguished from its green cousin epidote by its usually lighter, paler coloration.
Is this clinozoisite?
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 clinozoisite with a known reference. Clinozoisite sits at Mohs 6-7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Clinozoisite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Clinozoisite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, gray, pink, green, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, columnar, fibrous, massive.
Often confused with
Clinozoisite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside clinozoisite
Minerals reported to co-occur with clinozoisite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂Al₃Si₃O₁₂(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 6-7
- Density
- 3.2-3.4 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Columnar, Fibrous, Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect {001}
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Collector, Geological Study
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Rocks Like Schists and Skarns
- Typical price
- $10-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find clinozoisite
2 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Austria
- Italy
- Pakistan
- USA
- Switzerland
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic rocks like schists and skarns country, the host setting where clinozoisite typically forms. If you start seeing epidote, quartz, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, columnar, fibrous, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Maine, North Carolina. Start trip planning there.
Common questions
How do you identify clinozoisite?+
Where is clinozoisite found?+
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How much is clinozoisite worth?+
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Find clinozoisite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
