Hydroxylchondrodite is a rare member of the humite group characterized by a high hydroxyl content in its structure. It typically occurs in contact-metamorphosed carbonate rocks and is visually indistinguishable from chondrodite without specialized analytical testing such as X-ray diffraction. Collectors often find it in small, granular clusters associated with other metamorphic silicate minerals.
Is this hydroxylchondrodite?
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 hydroxylchondrodite with a known reference. Hydroxylchondrodite sits at Mohs 6-6.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hydroxylchondrodite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hydroxylchondrodite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, orange, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular, massive, or as small equidimensional crystals.
Often confused with
Hydroxylchondrodite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside hydroxylchondrodite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hydroxylchondrodite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mg₅(SiO₄)₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6-6.5
- Density
- 3.1-3.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Granular, Massive, Or as Small Equidimensional Crystals
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Limestone or Dolomite Skarns
- Typical price
- $20-150 for small specimens
Where rockhounds find hydroxylchondrodite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sweden
- Finland
- USA
- Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed limestone or dolomite skarns country, the host setting where hydroxylchondrodite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, dolomite, forsterite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular, massive, or as small equidimensional crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify hydroxylchondrodite?+
Where is hydroxylchondrodite found?+
How much is hydroxylchondrodite worth?+
What rocks look like hydroxylchondrodite?+
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Find hydroxylchondrodite on the map
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