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 — Odinite leaves white, Glauconite leaves pale green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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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