Gemstone profile and identification guide
Clinozoisite
Clinozoisite is a monoclinic epidote-group calcium aluminum sorosilicate with limited gem use.
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Overview
Clinozoisite is a monoclinic epidote-group calcium aluminum sorosilicate with limited gem use.
Did you know? Clinozoisite forms a compositional series with epidote depending on iron content.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Clinozoisite
Scientific classification: Silicate (Epidote Group: Clinozoisite)
Hardness: 6.5 Mohs
Transparency: translucent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Primary colour: Green
Secondary colour: Grey Green
Colour family: Greens
Epidote-group context, monoclinic optics, and green body colour are core identifiers.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Values are reported as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 6.5 Mohs
Chemical composition: Calcium aluminum sorosilicate hydroxide [Ca2Al3(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)]
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Common locations: Austria, Tanzania, Pakistan, Kenya, Norway
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Typically green to grey-green epidote-group material, occasionally transparent enough for faceting.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Clinozoisite
Mineral group: Epidote group
Chemical formula: Calcium aluminum sorosilicate hydroxide [Ca2Al3(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)]
Mohs hardness: 6.5
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: translucent
Streak: White
Cleavage: Perfect in one direction
Fracture: Uneven
Specific gravity: 3.25-3.38
Refractive index: 1.70-1.73
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Pale to dark green, grey-green
Common inclusions: Zoning, fractures, epidote intergrowths
Geological environment: Regional metamorphic rocks and hydrothermal alteration zones
Principal mining regions: Austria, Tanzania, Pakistan, Kenya, Norway
Important commercial sources: Collector and occasional gem clinozoisite occurs in metamorphic belts and alpine-type localities worldwide
Historical significance: Primarily a mineralogical collector species with limited gem trade presence.
Common treatments: Generally untreated.
Synthetic or imitation forms: No common synthetic counterpart in gem trade.
Common look-alikes: Epidote, prehnite, low-saturation tourmaline
Jewellery uses: Used in collector specimens and occasional faceted/cabochon stones.
Care recommendations: Moderate durability; avoid impact and harsh cleaning for fractured material.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Clinozoisite.
Formation
Forms in metamorphic rocks and hydrothermal alteration zones.
Origin
Collector and occasional gem clinozoisite occurs in metamorphic belts and alpine-type localities worldwide
Uses
Best for: Used in collector specimens and occasional faceted/cabochon stones.
Ideal uses: Collector-oriented gems and low-impact jewellery.
Care
Moderate durability; avoid impact and harsh cleaning for fractured material.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
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Clinozoisite FAQ
How can I identify Clinozoisite?
Compare hardness (6.5 Mohs), crystal system (Monoclinic), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Clinozoisite appear in?
Typically green to grey-green epidote-group material, occasionally transparent enough for faceting.
Where is Clinozoisite commonly used?
Collector-oriented gems and low-impact jewellery.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 03 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 03 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 03 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 03 factual verification pass.