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.

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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, 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.