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 — that is 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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