Chlorite

Crystal system · Monoclinic

Chlorite is a phyllosilicate mineral prized by collectors for its exceptional color range.

Chlorite specimen
Photo: Raimond Spekking · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

About Chlorite

Chlorite is a phyllosilicate mineral in the chlorite group and has the chemical formula (Mg,Fe,Al)6(Si,Al)4O10(OH)8. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and is one of the most visually varied minerals in the collector market.

Identification & care

Specimens usually show scaly, foliated, platy; pseudohexagonal plates; fan-shaped rosettes; vermicular; massive. Its color range is broad, including green (most common), white, yellow, brown, and black. The luster is vitreous to pearly, dull, the streak is white to pale green, and specimens range from translucent to opaque. The cleavage is perfect basal {001}. The fracture is uneven, which aids identification.

Collector context

Collector notes

For collectors, Chlorite is a benchmark crystalline species.

Frequently asked questions

What is Chlorite?

Chlorite is a phyllosilicate mineral prized by collectors for its exceptional color range.

What crystal system does Chlorite belong to?

Chlorite crystallises in the Monoclinic crystal system.

References & databases

Mindat.org is the world’s largest open mineralogy database. Our descriptions are written independently and fact-checked.