Chondrodite

Clinohumite

By Tim Matthews, JD, FGA, GG, DGA,
CEO and President of JTV (retired)
Published: June 2014
Modified: September 2023
Chondrodite Polished Chondrodite Rough

Chondrodite, named for the Greek word for grain, "chondros," is a member of the humite group of minerals. Its gemmy hues range from red to yellow to orange, with the latter resembling the color of spessartite garnet. It can be found in several places including New York, Burma, Tanzania, and Afghanistan. Some of the best specimens come from the Tilly Foster Mine in Brewster, NY, and the Cardiff uranium mine in Wilberforce, Ontario, Canada.

General Information

Common Name
Chondrodite
Species
Clinohumite
Transparency
Transparent - Opaque
Dispersion
Strength: Weak Fire
Refractive Index
1.592-1.646
Birefringence
0.028-0.034
Optic Character
Biaxial
Optic Sign
Positive
Polariscope Reaction
Doubly Refractive (DR)
Fluorescence
SWUV: inert to yellow or brownish-orange
LWUV: inert to weak orange
Pleochroism
Dichroic, moderate orange-brown and yellow-brown or yellow-green to pale green
Hardness
6-6.5
Streak
Yellow To Brown
Specific Gravity
3.100-3.260 Typical:3.200
Toughness
Poor
Luster
Vitreous, Dull
Fracture
Uneven
Cleavage
None
Chemical Name
Magnesium Iron Silicate Fluoride Hydroxide
Chemical Formula
(Mg,Fe2+)5[F, OH)2/SiO4)2]
Crystal System
Monoclinic
Chemistry Classification
Silicate

Chondrodite Colors

  • Brown Chondrodite
    Brown
  • Orange Chondrodite
    Orange
  • Red Chondrodite
    Red
  • Yellow Chondrodite
    Yellow
  • Yellow Chondrodite
    Yellow

Chondrodite Spectra

Chondrodite Spectra
CHONDRODITE

Color due to iron. Very little transmission occurs below 580nm.

We acknowledge the significant scientific contributions of John S Harris, FGA to the study of gemstone spectra and with deep appreciation to him, acknowledges the use of his images and related notes about gemstones and their spectra in the educational materials on this website.

Countries of Origin

Tanzania, United Republic Of; Myanmar; Afghanistan; Russian Federation; Viet Nam; Czechia; United States of America; United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Austria; Sweden; Pakistan; Korea (the Republic of); Unknown; China; Poland; France; Argentina; Romania; Japan; Switzerland; French Polynesia; India; Spain; Canada; Turkey; Norway; Namibia; Finland; Italy; South Africa; Antarctica; Australia; Germany

History

Chondrodite was discovered in 1817 at Pargas in Finland and was named by Baron Abraham Constantin Mouradgea d'Ohsson after its gritty nature.

Care

Chondrodite is brittle so please take care when handling.