Description
The mineral clinozoisite is a calcium-aluminum silicate with the chemical formula Ca2Al3Si3O12(OH). This sorosilicate belongs to the epidote group. Colorless, gray, green, or light yellow, clinozoisite has a vitreous luster, a grayish-white streak color, and perfect cleavage along the [001] crystal plane. Its average density is 3.34 and its hardness is 7. The crystal system is monoclinic, and the mineral is not radioactive. The orthorhombic variety of clinozoisite is called zoisite. Like zoisite, the mineral clinozoisite is named after the Austrian naturalist Siegmund Zois (1747–1819), and clinozoisite is the monoclinic variety of zoisite. Clinozoisite is a common mineral in metamorphic and pegmatitic rocks. Clinozoisite is found in San Juan County, Colorado, United States and in Alchuri, Shigar Skardu District, Pakistan.
