The exact formula for Clinozoisite is Ca2Al3(Si2O7)(SiO4)O(OH).
Clinozoisite is a complex calcium aluminium sorosilicate mineral known for its intricate chemical composition and its significant place within the epidote mineral group.
Chemical Formula Explained
The chemical formula Ca2Al3(Si2O7)(SiO4)O(OH) precisely defines Clinozoisite's make-up:
- Ca2: Indicates two atoms of Calcium, a crucial element in many rock-forming minerals.
- Al3: Represents three atoms of Aluminium, which often substitutes for other elements in mineral structures.
- (Si2O7): This is a sorosilicate group, specifically a disilicate, where two silicon atoms are linked by a shared oxygen atom.
- (SiO4): This is a standard silicate tetrahedron, a fundamental building block in the vast majority of silicate minerals.
- O: Denotes an additional oxygen atom that contributes to the overall charge balance and structure.
- (OH): Represents a hydroxyl group, indicating the presence of hydrogen and oxygen (similar to water) within the mineral's crystalline lattice.
This detailed formula highlights Clinozoisite's unique atomic arrangement and its classification as a sorosilicate, a type of silicate mineral where silicate tetrahedra are linked in specific ways.
Relationship with Epidote
Clinozoisite shares a close relationship with the mineral epidote, forming a continuous solid solution series. This means that Clinozoisite can gradually transition into epidote through a process of elemental substitution. Specifically, iron(III) (Fe³⁺) can substitute for aluminium (Al³⁺) in one of the specific crystallographic sites (known as the m3 site) within the mineral's structure. Because of this structural similarity and chemical interchangeability, Clinozoisite is also commonly referred to as aluminium epidote.
Key Characteristics of Clinozoisite
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral Name | Clinozoisite |
| Chemical Formula | Ca2Al3(Si2O7)(SiO4)O(OH) |
| Mineral Class | Sorosilicate (part of the Epidote Group) |
| Primary Elements | Calcium, Aluminium, Silicon, Oxygen, Hydrogen |
| Related Minerals | Epidote (forms a solid solution series through iron substitution for aluminium) |
| Other Names | Aluminium Epidote |
For further exploration of Clinozoisite and other minerals, reputable geological resources like Mindat.org offer extensive information.
