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Clinozoisite
Clinozoisite is sorosilicate (epidote group), Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH). In the hand, it rates 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, and it runs gray-green and pistachio-tan. Epidote's pale low-iron sibling, grooved prismatic crystals in washed-out green, tan, or pink rather than epidote's loud pistachio. Metamorphosed calcium-rich rocks; notable: Baja California (Mexico), Pakistan, Austria, Tanzania.
The geology.
Clinozoisite carries the formula Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH). It belongs to the monoclinic system. Its listing category is sorosilicate (epidote group).
It sits at 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads vitreous. Light behaviour is transparent to translucent. Specific gravity runs 3.2 to 3.4. The streak is white to grayish. It breaks with perfect cleavage one direction.
Epidote's pale low-iron sibling, grooved prismatic crystals in washed-out green, tan, or pink rather than epidote's loud pistachio.
It turns up mostly as striated prismatic crystals, bladed sprays or granular masses.
The origins.
Metamorphosed calcium-rich rocks; notable: Baja California (Mexico), Pakistan, Austria, Tanzania.
On value, the database notes: affordable; gemmy Mexican crystals are collector items.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, clinozoisite has little established lore; it is sometimes grouped with epidote's amplification themes.
This is lore, and we label it as lore. The measurable facts are further up the page.
Spotting the real thing.
Epidote's pale low-iron sibling, grooved prismatic crystals in washed-out green, tan, or pink rather than epidote's loud pistachio.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Epidote | A continuous series, epidote is the saturated yellow-green iron-rich end; clinozoisite is paler |
| Thulite/zoisite | Zoisite is the orthorhombic cousin; crystal habit and lab work separate them |
| Diopside | Diopside shows pyroxene cleavages near 90° |
At-home tests.
A loupe and a window seat settle most questions about clinozoisite. No workshop required.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| By eye | Lengthwise striated prisms |
| Scratch check | Scratches glass with effort |
| By eye | Paler than classic epidote in the same settings |
Stop short of anything that leaves a mark. A gemologist can answer the rest without damaging the stone.
Care & handling.
At 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale it handles careful wear but scratches against quartz and dust. Store it separately and take rings off before rough work.
It breaks with perfect cleavage one direction, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Skip the ultrasonic. Lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth handle routine cleaning without risk.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH). Crystal system: Monoclinic. Specific gravity: 3.2 to 3.4. Streak: White to grayish. Cleavage and fracture: Perfect cleavage one direction.
How it reaches the market
Metamorphosed calcium-rich rocks; notable: Baja California (Mexico), Pakistan, Austria, Tanzania.
What it gets confused with
Epidote: A continuous series, epidote is the saturated yellow-green iron-rich end; clinozoisite is paler. Thulite/zoisite: Zoisite is the orthorhombic cousin; crystal habit and lab work separate them. Diopside: Diopside shows pyroxene cleavages near 90°.
What it is worth
Affordable; gemmy Mexican crystals are collector items.
One more thing
Clinozoisite and epidote are a color dimmer switch, swap iron for aluminum and the pistachio fades toward gray.
An education-first guide.
We do not carry clinozoisite. This page exists because the question comes up and the honest answer is worth writing down, whether or not there is anything here to sell you.
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