CLINOZOISITE

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Clinozoisite, pronounced KLINE-o-zo-ih-site, was recognized as a mineral species in 1896.  It is named for its monoclinic form and its resemblance to the mineral zoisite.  Clinozoisite is collected in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Norway, Russia, and the United States (Arizona, Nevada, California, Maine, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Virginia).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: Clinozoisite [basic calcium aluminum silicate, Ca2Al3Si3O12(OH)] is a sorosilicate that crystallizes in the monoclinic system, most often as prisms that are usually short to long, but are sometimes tabular or equant; it also occurs in granular and massive forms.  Clinozoisite, which is dimorphic with zoisite, has a Mohs hardness of 7.0, perfect cleavage in one direction, an uneven fracture, a vitreous luster, and a specific gravity of 3.2-3.4.  It is transparent to translucent and usually brown in color, but can occasionally be white, grayish-white, or pale green.  Clinozoisite forms in regional and contact metamorphic rocks.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: Clinozoisite has no technological uses.  According to metaphysical beliefs, clinozoisite eases the pain of heartbreak, alleviates stress and tension in times of crisis, encourages forgiveness, and promotes mental clarity and the ability to understand others.

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Clinozoisite is collected for its well-developed crystals, unusual brown colors, and association with such minerals as albite, calcite, and certain members of the garnet group.