The facts
What clinochlore actually is
Mineralogically, clinochlore is chlorite group — (Mg,Fe²⁺)₅Al(Si₃Al)O₁₀(OH)₈, crystallising in the monoclinic system.
The colour is caused by fe²⁺ gives green; Cr³⁺ gives the magenta of the kämmererite variety. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.571–1.597, and the specific gravity sits near 2.60–3.02; cleavage is perfect basal.
Where clinochlore comes from
The recognised sources are Korshunovskoye, Irkutsk Oblast, Russia, Kop Krom Mine, Erzurum, Türkiye and Achmatovsk, Ural Mountains, Russia.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How clinochlore is treated
Too soft to face; sold as specimens and stabilised cabochons. Seraphinite cabochons are frequently impregnated with polymer or backed, which is not usually disclosed.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What clinochlore is confused with
The usual confusions are Serpentine, Chlorite schist and Nephrite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.571–1.597 and specific gravity 2.60–3.02 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What clinochlore is used for
Clinochlore is bought by mineral collecting, carving and sculpture and decorative objects — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen, by the block or by the piece.
Durability and care
Clinochlore is 2–2.5 on the Mohs scale, with perfect basal cleavage.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What clinochlore costs
Indicative pricing for clinochlore is Specimens 15–250 USD; seraphinite cabochons 10–80 USD.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is clinochlore treated, and how?
Too soft to face; sold as specimens and stabilised cabochons. Seraphinite cabochons are frequently impregnated with polymer or backed, which is not usually disclosed.
Where does clinochlore come from?
Korshunovskoye, Irkutsk Oblast, Russia, Kop Krom Mine, Erzurum, Türkiye and Achmatovsk, Ural Mountains, Russia. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is clinochlore hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 2–2.5 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does clinochlore cost?
Indicatively Specimens 15–250 USD; seraphinite cabochons 10–80 USD. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is clinochlore confused with?
Most often Serpentine, Chlorite schist and Nephrite. A refractive index of 1.571–1.597 and a specific gravity near 2.60–3.02 separate it quickly.
What is clinochlore used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting, carving and sculpture and decorative objects. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for clinochlore?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about clinochlore