Clinochlore
Image: SKas (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameClinochlore
Chemical Formula(Mg,Fe)5Al(Si3Al)O10(OH)8
Mohs Hardness2.25
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite to pale green
Cleavageperfect on {001}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorsdark green, light green, silvery green
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityKorshunovskoye deposit, Irkutsk Oblast, Russian Federation
Mineral Groupsilicates
Usescollector's specimens, minor industrial uses
Associated Mineralsquartz, feldspar, amphiboles, garnet
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen of clinochlore displays a striking radiating, fibrous to platy habit, with colors ranging from dark green to lighter, almost silvery-green hues. The surfaces exhibit a pearly to vitreous luster.
Geological Context
Clinochlore is a common metamorphic mineral, typically found in low to medium-grade metamorphic rocks such as greenschists, serpentinites, and chlorite schists. It also forms as a hydrothermal alteration product in igneous rocks.
