Mineral Guide · Mineral

Clinohumite

Clinohumite is a magnesium silicate of the humite group, known both as a rare mantle-related mineral and as an orange-yellow gemstone.

Interactive 3D structure

Crystal structure

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Mineral properties

Formula: Mg₉(SiO₄)₄(F,OH)₂
Class: Silicates
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Typical colours: brown, yellow, orange, red-brown
Lustre: Resinous, Vitreous
Hardness: 6.00-6.50
Specific gravity: 3.10-3.30
Crystal habit: Granular, Massive, Prismatic
Origin: marbles, skarns and ultramafic rocks, with gem material commonly recovered from metamorphic environments

What is Clinohumite?

Clinohumite is a magnesium silicate of the humite group, known both as a rare mantle-related mineral and as an orange-yellow gemstone.

Mineralogy and structure

The reference formula is Mg₉(SiO₄)₄(F,OH)₂. Clinohumite belongs to the silicates and has a monoclinic crystal system. Clinohumite is monoclinic and structurally related to olivine and humite-group minerals. Fluorine and hydroxyl substitute in the structure, which can influence colour and composition.

Colour and appearance

Typical colours include yellow, orange, brown, red-brown. Crystal habit, lustre, transparency and matrix association are often as diagnostic as colour.

Formation and localities

Clinohumite forms in or is associated with marbles, skarns and ultramafic rocks, with gem material commonly recovered from metamorphic environments. Important documented localities include Tajikistan, the Pamir region, Italy, Myanmar and Tanzania.

Collecting and care

Clinohumite is best kept as a labelled collector or reference specimen. Protect fragile crystals from impact and prolonged humidity changes. Lead-, arsenic-, chromium- and cobalt-bearing minerals should not be cut, ground or used in jewellery.

Sources and editorial review

Reviewed by NotOnlyRocks Editorial Team

Last reviewed: 31 August 2026

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