Monoclinic calcium aluminum silicate, the aluminum-rich end member of the epidote group. Less common than epidote. Color: Colorless, gray, pale yellow, pale green. Luster: Vitreous. Streak: White. Cleavage: Perfect in one direction. Hardness: 6-6.5. Transparency: Transparent to translucent. Crystal system: Monoclinic. Chemical formula: Ca₂Al₃ SiO₄ ₃ OH. Specific gravity: 3.21-3.38. Formation: Forms during medium-grade metamorphism of calcium-rich rocks, in conditions where iron is limited. Common geological settings: Austria, Switzerland, Mexico, Tanzania; found in metamorphic rocks. Common look-alikes and related entries: Epidote, Zoisite, Diopside.
These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
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GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:37:49.892463+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Monoclinic calcium aluminum silicate, the aluminum-rich end member of the epidote group. Less common than epidote.
How can you identify Clinozoisite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Colorless, gray, pale yellow, pale green; lustre: Vitreous; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 6-6.5; cleavage: Perfect in one direction; crystal system: Monoclinic; transparency: Transparent to translucent. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Clinozoisite form?
Forms during medium-grade metamorphism of calcium-rich rocks, in conditions where iron is limited.
Where is Clinozoisite commonly found?
Austria, Switzerland, Mexico, Tanzania; found in metamorphic rocks.
What is Clinozoisite commonly confused with?
Clinozoisite may be confused with Epidote, Zoisite, Diopside. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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