Clinozoisite
Image: Robert M. Lavinsky (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameClinozoisite
Chemical FormulaCa₂Al₃(SiO₄)(Si₂O₇)O(OH)
Mohs Hardness6
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect on {001}, good on {100}
Fractureuneven to conchoidal
Specific Gravity3.25
Colorsyellowish-green, brownish-green, gray, pink, colorless
Transparencytransparent to translucent
Type LocalityWadh, Balochistan, Pakistan
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usescollector's specimens
Associated Mineralsepidote, quartz, feldspar, amphiboles, garnets, micas
Raritycommon
Description
This image displays a cluster of prismatic, yellowish-green to brownish-green clinozoisite crystals, some exhibiting distinct terminations.
Geological Context
Clinozoisite is a common metamorphic mineral, typically forming in medium-grade regional metamorphic rocks, contact metamorphic rocks, and hydrothermally altered igneous rocks. It is an aluminum-rich end-member of the epidote solid solution series.
