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, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: pale yellow.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: reddish brown.
- 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.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Hydroxylchondrodite leaves pale yellow, Chondrodite leaves gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Hydroxylchondrodite leaves pale yellow, Humite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Hydroxylchondrodite leaves pale yellow, Clinohumite leaves white.
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
- Density
- 3.21 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Granular, massive, or as small equidimensional crystals
- Cleavage
- None; parting on {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In the contact zone between magnesium skarn and marble
Where rockhounds find hydroxylchondrodite
Classic worldwide localities
- Perovskite pit, western slope of the Chuvashskie Mountains, Zlatoust region, South Urals, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In the contact zone between magnesium skarn and marble. If you start seeing calcite, clinochlore, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: granular, massive, or as small equidimensional crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify hydroxylchondrodite?+
Where is hydroxylchondrodite found?+
What rocks look like hydroxylchondrodite?+
What minerals are found with hydroxylchondrodite?+
What kind of rock does hydroxylchondrodite form in?+
What is hydroxylchondrodite used for?+
Find hydroxylchondrodite on the map
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