Odinite is a rare member of the chlorite group that typically forms as extremely fine-grained, earthy coatings or aggregates within sedimentary environments. It is most notable for its distinct green to greenish-blue color, often associated with iron-rich marine sediments. Because it is rarely found in macroscopic crystals, it is primarily sought after by advanced mineral collectors and those interested in clay mineralogy.
Is this odinite?
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 odinite with a known reference. Odinite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Odinite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Odinite typically shows a dull luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, greenish-blue.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: fine-grained aggregates.
Often confused with
Odinite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads dull on Odinite and pearly on Chlorite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Odinite leaves white, Glauconite leaves pale green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Odinite leaves white, Chamosite leaves white to pale green; luster reads dull on Odinite and pearly on Chamosite.
Often found alongside odinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with odinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Fe³⁺,Mg,Al,Fe²⁺)₆(Si,Al)₄O₁₀(OH,O)₈
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 2.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Dull
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Fine-grained Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Marine Sedimentary Iron Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-100 for small specimens
Where rockhounds find odinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ploermel, France
- Dortmund, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in marine sedimentary iron deposits country, the host setting where odinite typically forms. If you start seeing goethite, quartz, clay minerals in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fine-grained aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find odinite on the map
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