Saliotite is a rare lithium-bearing member of the chlorite group, characterized by its mica-like platy appearance. It is typically found as small, white to pale green foliated masses in metamorphic rock environments, notably in the French Alps.
Is this saliotite?
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 saliotite with a known reference. Saliotite 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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: pearly.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, pearl white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy or micaceous aggregates.
Often confused with
Saliotite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside saliotite
Minerals reported to co-occur with saliotite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Li,Na)Al₃(Si₃Al)O₁₀(OH)₅
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 2.75 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy or micaceous aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- metamorphic
Where rockhounds find saliotite
Classic worldwide localities
- Andalusia, Spain (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: metamorphic. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, mica in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy or micaceous aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify saliotite?+
Where is saliotite found?+
What rocks look like saliotite?+
What minerals are found with saliotite?+
What kind of rock does saliotite form in?+
What is saliotite used for?+
Find saliotite on the map
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