Where is Chlorite Quartz found?
SiO2 with (Mg,Fe)3(Si,Al)4O10(OH)2
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Open the appChlorite Quartz occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Chlorite Quartz
Brazil
Known for producing high-quality chlorite included quartz, often with distinct phantom formations.
Himalayan Region (e.g., Pakistan, Nepal)
Source of clear quartz with fine, often fibrous, chlorite inclusions, sometimes forming 'lodolite' or 'garden' quartz.
United States (e.g., Arkansas, North Carolina)
Various localities yield quartz with chlorite, particularly in metamorphic terrains.
Alps (e.g., Switzerland, Austria)
Classic localities for well-formed quartz crystals, some of which contain chlorite inclusions.
Collecting tips
- Look in Metamorphic Terrains. Focus on areas with greenschist to amphibolite facies metamorphic rocks, especially those derived from mafic or ultramafic protoliths.
- Hydrothermal Veins. Explore quartz veins cutting through altered igneous or metamorphic rocks, as these are common sites for chlorite formation.
- Examine Quartz Crystals Closely. Chlorite inclusions can be subtle. Look for green coloration, wisps, or cloudy areas within otherwise clear quartz crystals.
- Check Mine Dumps and Road Cuts. These disturbed areas often expose fresh rock faces where mineral occurrences are more easily spotted.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Green (due to chlorite inclusions) within a colorless or milky quartz matrix.
- Luster:
- Vitreous (glassy) for quartz, dull to pearly for chlorite.
- Streak:
- White (for quartz), pale green to greenish-white (for chlorite, if a pure chlorite sample could be streaked).
Explore Chlorite Quartz
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