This Specimen has been sold.
1.4" Hydroxylclinohumite & Clinochlore Crystals in Talc - Afghanistan
This is a gorgeous formation of red-orange hydroxyl-clinohumite crystals and blue-green chlinochlore aggregations in a talc (clay mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate) matrix, collected from Koksha Valley in the Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan. Comes with an acrylic display case and mineral tack.
About Clinohumite
Clinohumite is an uncommon, brittle, magnesium silicate mineral that somewhat resembles the hessonite variety of grossular garnet. Specimens can be orange, yellow, red, brown, or a combination of those mentioned. It was first discovered in 1876 in metamorphosed limestone from Mount Vesuvius, and gem-quality crystals were first found in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan in the early 1980's. Clinohumite crystals are typically smaller grains, with larger crystals being highly sought after by mineral collectors.
General Chemical Formula - (Mg,Fe)9(SiO4)4(F,OH)2
Clinohumite is an uncommon, brittle, magnesium silicate mineral that somewhat resembles the hessonite variety of grossular garnet. Specimens can be orange, yellow, red, brown, or a combination of those mentioned. It was first discovered in 1876 in metamorphosed limestone from Mount Vesuvius, and gem-quality crystals were first found in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan in the early 1980's. Clinohumite crystals are typically smaller grains, with larger crystals being highly sought after by mineral collectors.
General Chemical Formula - (Mg,Fe)9(SiO4)4(F,OH)2
About Clinochlore
Clinochlore is a mineral from the chlorite group, known for its distinctive shades of green, ranging from light to deep olive, though it can also appear in gray, yellow, or brown hues. This mineral is characterized by its foliated, plate-like structure and a pearly to glassy luster, often forming in thin, flexible sheets or flaky masses. Its layered, “leafy” appearance is typical of chlorite minerals, giving clinochlore an attractive, somewhat scaly look.
It commonly forms in metamorphic environments, particularly in magnesium- and iron-rich rocks like serpentine or dolomitic marbles that have undergone metamorphic changes. It is often found alongside minerals such as talc, garnet, and serpentine and may also form in hydrothermal veins. With a Mohs hardness of 2–2.5, clinochlore is relatively soft, making it unsuitable for jewelry but valued by collectors for its beautiful luster and unique structure.
Clinochlore deposits are found globally, with notable sources in the United States, Switzerland, Russia, and Pakistan. Occasionally, rare, transparent, gem-quality crystals of clinochlore are discovered, known as “kammererite,” which display vivid violet to pinkish-red colors, adding to clinochlore’s appeal among mineral enthusiasts.
Clinochlore is a mineral from the chlorite group, known for its distinctive shades of green, ranging from light to deep olive, though it can also appear in gray, yellow, or brown hues. This mineral is characterized by its foliated, plate-like structure and a pearly to glassy luster, often forming in thin, flexible sheets or flaky masses. Its layered, “leafy” appearance is typical of chlorite minerals, giving clinochlore an attractive, somewhat scaly look.
It commonly forms in metamorphic environments, particularly in magnesium- and iron-rich rocks like serpentine or dolomitic marbles that have undergone metamorphic changes. It is often found alongside minerals such as talc, garnet, and serpentine and may also form in hydrothermal veins. With a Mohs hardness of 2–2.5, clinochlore is relatively soft, making it unsuitable for jewelry but valued by collectors for its beautiful luster and unique structure.
Clinochlore deposits are found globally, with notable sources in the United States, Switzerland, Russia, and Pakistan. Occasionally, rare, transparent, gem-quality crystals of clinochlore are discovered, known as “kammererite,” which display vivid violet to pinkish-red colors, adding to clinochlore’s appeal among mineral enthusiasts.
SPECIES
Hydroxyl-Clinohumite, Clinochlore & Talc
LOCATION
Jikhan, Koksha Valley, Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan
SIZE
1.4" wide
CATEGORY
ITEM
#317304