Clinozoisite (Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)(Si₂O₇)O(OH)) is the monoclinic counterpart of orthorhombic zoisite — same chemistry, different crystal system. It is closely related to epidote but has lower iron content. Clinozoisite forms in low-grade metamorphic rocks and contact-aureole skarns. Italian Alps and Japan yield gem-quality material.
Key Facts
- Mohs hardness 6.5.
- Monoclinic; long prismatic crystals with deep striations along c-axis.
- Forms continuous series with epidote (Fe-bearing) — mineral-name boundary at ~10 mol % iron.
- Yellow-green to colorless, depending on Fe content.
- Common in greenschist-facies metamorphic assemblages.
Notable Localities
Knappenwand (Austria) and Italian Alps yield European specimens. Hokkaido (Japan) and Pakistan supply modern collector material.
Found at these Localities
- Swiss Alps (Alpine-Cleft Province) (瑞士阿尔卑斯高山裂隙矿物产地)
- Trimouns Talc Mine (特里穆滑石矿(法国))
- Italian Volcanic Province (Vesuvius / Lipari / Etna) (意大利火山矿物产地)
