Clinohumite: Gemstone and Jewelry

Clinohumite is one of the lesser-known gemstones and is primarily of interest to gemstone collectors, mineral enthusiasts and fans of lesser-known gemstones and minerals. The mineral was first described in 1901 by the renowned mineralogist George Frederick Kunz. It is typically found in the form of small, opaque crystals and has a wide range of colours, from yellow, orange, and red to brown and green. The mineral is named after its unusual habit of forming a one-sided crystal. It is a magnesium-silicate mineral that belongs to the humite group. Humite minerals are known for their characteristic fire and are among the most prized of gemstones.

History: 

Clinohumite was first discovered in the region of the Hahnenkamm Mountains in Austria in the early 1900s. The mineral was named after its unusual habit of forming one-sided crystals. George Kunz, the famous American mineralogist, discovered the stone while on a trip to Austria and brought it back to the United States for study. Kunz was a well-known expert in the field of gemstones and minerals and was responsible for some of the most important discoveries of the time.

Properties of Clinohumite: 

Clinohumite has a high specific gravity of 3.24-3.50 and a refractive index of 1.626-1.665. It is a magnesium silicate mineral with a chemical formula of Mg9(SiO4)4F2. It is somewhat soft, with a Mohs hardness of 6-6.5, and its colour can range from yellow, orange-red, brown, green, and sometimes, even pink. The gemstone is generally colorless or yellow in its pure form, and it owes its various colors to the presence of iron and chromium impurities. The yellow and green varieties are typically found in metamorphic rocks and skarn deposits, whereas the orange and red varieties are found in contact metamorphic rocks.

The gemstone is known for its unique, one-sided crystal habit, which is a result of its crystal structure. Clinohumite is a relatively rare gemstone and is typically found in small, opaque crystals. It is not commonly used in jewelry due to its scarcity and the fact that it is not as hard or durable as other gemstones such as diamond or sapphire. However, it is sometimes used as an accent stone in jewelry.

Uses of Clinohumite: 

Clinohumite is primarily used as a collector's gemstone. As a result of its scarcity, it is highly valued by collectors of unusual or underappreciated gemstones. It is also popular with mineral enthusiasts and is frequently sought after by those who enjoy studying minerals and their unique properties.

In addition to its use as a collector's gemstone, clinohumite is sometimes used by jewelry designers as an accent stone. Some designers appreciate the unique one-sided crystal habit of the gemstone and use it to create eye-catching pieces of jewelry. However, due to the gemstone's relative softness and scarcity, it is not commonly used in mainstream jewelry production.

How to Identify Clinohumite: 

Clinohumite can be identified by its physical properties. It is usually yellow, green, orange-red, brown or green in color and has a vitreous to resinous luster. The gemstone is known for its unique one-sided crystal habit and has a Mohs hardness of 6-6.5. Clinohumite has a high specific gravity of 3.24-3.50 and a refractive index of 1.626-1.665. This makes it relatively easy to identify and distinguish it from other gemstones.

Where to Find Clinohumite: 

Clinohumite is a relatively rare gemstone and is not commonly found in commercial quantities. The gemstone is typically found in metamorphic rocks, skarn deposits, and some igneous rock formations. The most significant deposits of clinohumite are found in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan, the Taymyr Peninsula in Russia, and Greenland.

The gemstone is also found in smaller quantities in Afghanistan, Argentina, Canada, Italy, Norway, and the United States. The gemstone is usually found in small, opaque crystals that range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in length.

The Future of Clinohumite: 

Clinohumite is not a commonly used gemstone and is unlikely to ever become a mainstream gemstone due to its relative scarcity and unsuitability for mainstream jewelry production. However, the gemstone is highly valued by mineral enthusiasts and collectors of unusual or underappreciated gemstones. As the world becomes more connected and gemstone markets become more globalized, it is possible that the demand for lesser-known gemstones like clinohumite will increase. This increased demand could lead to the development of new mines and more significant deposits of the gemstone being discovered.

Clinohumite is a unique and underappreciated gemstone that is primarily valued by collectors of unusual and underappreciated gems. The gemstone's one-sided crystal habit and range of colours make it an interesting and attractive gemstone. However, due to its relative scarcity and unsuitability for mainstream jewelry production, it is unlikely to ever become a mainstream gemstone. Nevertheless, the gemstone's unique properties and distinctive appearance make it an intriguing and unusual addition to any collection of gemstones or minerals.