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Clinohumite is a rare, magnesium silicate mineral found in metamorphic rocks, prized for its brilliant yellow, orange, red, or brown colors in gem-quality crystals. Though commonly small and granular, large euhedral crystals are valuable and, when transparent, can be cut into beautiful, although fragile, gemstones with a Mohs hardness of 6. Its monoclinic crystal structure is unique among the humite group, to which it belongs, and it can sometimes fluoresce yellow or orange under shortwave UV light.

Key Characteristics

Chemical Composition: A magnesium silicate containing iron, silicon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

Crystal Structure: Monoclinic, giving it its name from the Greek klino (sloping).

Color: Typically shades of yellow, orange, red, and brown.

Luster: Glassy, with a resinous or vitreous appearance.

Hardness: 6 on the Mohs scale.

Transparency: Can range from transparent to translucent, but transparency is required for gem quality.

Fragility: Brittle and has poor basal cleavage, making it fragile for jewelry.

Occurrence and Discovery

Discovery: First identified in 1876 in specimens from Mount Vesuvius.

Formation: Forms in metamorphic rocks.

Notable Locations: Gem-quality material is primarily found in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan and the Taymyr region of Siberia.

As a Gemstone

Rarity: A rare gemstone, making it highly sought after by collectors.

Cut Specimens: Gem-quality crystals, though scarce, can be cut into beautiful, rich-colored gems.

Usage: Due to its fragility and poor cleavage, it is not widely used in jewelry.