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 — that is 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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