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 — that is 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?+
Can I find clinozoisite in the United States?+
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.
