Clinochlore
Image: Robert M. Lavinsky (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameClinochlore
Chemical Formula(Mg,Fe)5Al(Si3Al)O10(OH)8
Mohs Hardness2.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lusterpearly
Streak Colorwhite to greenish-white
Cleavageperfect basal on {001}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorsgreen, dark green, olive green, yellowish-green, white, pink, purple, brown
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityCarboneri, Villar Pellice, Pellice Valley, Italy
Mineral GroupSilicates (Chlorite Group)
Usescollector, minor industrial uses
Associated Mineralsgrossular, hessonite, epidote, actinolite, quartz, calcite, talc, serpentine
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen features dark green, platy to blocky crystals of Clinochlore, exhibiting a somewhat translucent quality, associated with reddish-brown Grossular garnet.
Geological Context
Clinochlore is a common metamorphic mineral, typically forming in low- to medium-grade metamorphic rocks (e.g., greenschist facies) through the alteration of mafic minerals. It can also be found in hydrothermal veins.
