Swinefordite is a rare lithium-bearing member of the smectite group of clay minerals. It typically occurs as soft, massive, or clay-like aggregates, often found as a alteration product in hydrothermal environments.

Hardness

1.5-2

Mohs

Luster

Dull

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareSmectite Group family

Swinefordite

Hardness: 1.5-2
Luster: Dull
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this swinefordite?

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 swinefordite with a known reference. Swinefordite sits at Mohs 1.5-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Swinefordite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Swinefordite typically shows a dull luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, pale pink, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive.

Often confused with

Swinefordite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Luster reads dull on Swinefordite and pearly on Talc.

Compare →

Often found alongside swinefordite

Minerals reported to co-occur with swinefordite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Li(Al,Mg,Fe)₄(Si,Al)₈O₂₀(OH)₄
Mohs hardness: 1.5-2
Density: 2.3-2.5 g/cm³
Colors: White Pale Pink Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Dull
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $20-100 per specimen depending on size

Where rockhounds find swinefordite

Classic worldwide localities

Swineford Mountain, North Carolina, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where swinefordite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify swinefordite?+

Mohs hardness is 1.5-2. It typically shows a dull luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, pale pink, gray.

Where is swinefordite found?+

Notable localities include Swineford Mountain, North Carolina, USA.

How much is swinefordite worth?+

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

What rocks look like swinefordite?+

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

What minerals are found with swinefordite?+

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

What kind of rock does swinefordite form in?+

Swinefordite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is swinefordite used for?+

Swinefordite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find swinefordite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.