Forêtite is a rare mineral belonging to the chlorite group, originally described from the Forêt area in Belgium. It typically appears as small, platy, greenish crystals found in metamorphic environments and is primarily sought after by advanced mineral collectors.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareChlorite Group family

Forêtite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this forêtite?

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 forêtite with a known reference. Forêtite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Forêtite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Forêtite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green, yellowish-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Forêtite leaves white, Chamosite leaves white to pale green.

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Often found alongside forêtite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Mg,Fe,Al)₆(Si,Al)₄O₁₀(OH)₈
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 2.8-2.9 g/cm³
Colors: Green Yellowish-green
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $20-100 per specimen

Where rockhounds find forêtite

Classic worldwide localities

Forêt, Belgium

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where forêtite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, calcite, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify forêtite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include green, yellowish-green.

Where is forêtite found?+

Notable localities include Forêt, Belgium.

How much is forêtite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like forêtite?+

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

What minerals are found with forêtite?+

Forêtite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Calcite, Hematite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does forêtite form in?+

Forêtite typically forms in metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is forêtite used for?+

Forêtite is used in collector.

Find forêtite on the map

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