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.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareChlorite Group family

Saliotite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this saliotite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch saliotite with a known reference. Saliotite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Saliotite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Saliotite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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.

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Saliotite and dull on Montmorillonite.

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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,Al,Mg)₃(Si,Al)₄O₁₀(OH)₂·(Li,Al)₂(OH)₆
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.55 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Green
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy or Micaceous Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic
Typical price: $20-100 per specimen

Where rockhounds find saliotite

Classic worldwide localities

France

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic country, the host setting where saliotite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, mica in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy or micaceous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify saliotite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, pale green.

Where is saliotite found?+

Notable localities include France.

How much is saliotite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like saliotite?+

Saliotite is most often confused with Chlorite, Montmorillonite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with saliotite?+

Saliotite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Feldspar, Mica. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does saliotite form in?+

Saliotite typically forms in metamorphic. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is saliotite used for?+

Saliotite is used in collector.

Find saliotite on the map

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