Hydroxylclinohumite is a rare member of the Humite group found primarily in contact metamorphic zones of carbonate rocks. Collectors prize it for its vibrant yellow to brownish-orange hues and occasional gem-grade clarity, which is often mistaken for other humite minerals without rigorous chemical testing.
Is this hydroxylclinohumite?
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 hydroxylclinohumite with a known reference. Hydroxylclinohumite 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. Hydroxylclinohumite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hydroxylclinohumite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, orange-yellow, brown, red-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular to anhedral crystals, occasionally prismatic.
Often confused with
Hydroxylclinohumite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside hydroxylclinohumite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hydroxylclinohumite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mg₉(SiO₄)₄(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 3.1-3.3 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Granular to Anhedral Crystals, Occasionally Prismatic
- Cleavage
- Poor On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Lapidary
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Limestones and Dolomites
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on clarity and crystal size
Where rockhounds find hydroxylclinohumite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Russia
- USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed limestones and dolomites country, the host setting where hydroxylclinohumite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, dolomite, forsterite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular to anhedral crystals, occasionally prismatic habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify hydroxylclinohumite?+
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How much is hydroxylclinohumite worth?+
What rocks look like hydroxylclinohumite?+
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Find hydroxylclinohumite on the map
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