Comparison · Minerals
Chlorite vs Epidote
Chlorite and Epidote are easy to confuse because both are minerals. Epidote is harder (Mohs 6–7) than Chlorite (Mohs 2–2.5), so Epidote will scratch Chlorite and not the other way round. A fingernail (Mohs 2.5) scratches it easily. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Chlorite and Epidote
- Epidote is harder (Mohs 6–7) than Chlorite (Mohs 2–2.5), so Epidote will scratch Chlorite and not the other way round. A fingernail (Mohs 2.5) scratches it easily.
- Streak color differs: Chlorite leaves a pale green to white streak on unglazed porcelain, Epidote leaves white to grayish.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Chlorite is Translucent, Epidote is Transparent to opaque.
- They overlap in green and black, but Epidote also comes in yellow.
Chlorite vs Epidote properties
| Property | Chlorite | Epidote |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 2–2.5 | 6–7 |
| Luster | Vitreous to pearly | Vitreous |
| Streak | Pale green to white | White to grayish |
| Transparency | Translucent | Transparent to opaque |
| Specific gravity | 2.6–3.3 | 3.3–3.5 |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic | Monoclinic |
| Common colors | Green, Dark green, Blackish green | Pistachio green, Yellowish green, Dark green, Black |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $2–$150+ |
Which is more valuable?
Typical specimens of Chlorite and Epidote trade in a similar range, around $20.
About Chlorite
Chlorite is not a single mineral but a large group of iron- and magnesium-rich phyllosilicates, including clinochlore and chamosite, sharing a layered sheet-silicate structure related to mica. Its name refers to its typical dull to bright green color, caused by iron and magnesium within the crystal lattice. It is one of the most common minerals in low-grade metamorphic rocks.
About Epidote
Epidote is a calcium aluminum iron sorosilicate with the approximate formula Ca2Al2(Fe3+,Al)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH), instantly recognizable to many collectors by its distinctive pistachio-green color. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system, typically as elongated, striated prismatic crystals. The color and composition vary with the ratio of iron to aluminum, grading toward the related mineral clinozoisite as iron decreases.
Chlorite vs Epidote FAQ
Is Chlorite the same as Epidote?
No. Both are minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Epidote is harder (Mohs 6–7) than Chlorite (Mohs 2–2.5), so Epidote will scratch Chlorite and not the other way round. A fingernail (Mohs 2.5) scratches it easily.
How can you tell Chlorite from Epidote?
Epidote is harder (Mohs 6–7) than Chlorite (Mohs 2–2.5), so Epidote will scratch Chlorite and not the other way round. A fingernail (Mohs 2.5) scratches it easily. Streak color differs: Chlorite leaves a pale green to white streak on unglazed porcelain, Epidote leaves white to grayish. Hold a thin edge to the light: Chlorite is Translucent, Epidote is Transparent to opaque.
Which is harder, Chlorite or Epidote?
Epidote is harder: Mohs 6–7 against Mohs 2–2.5 for Chlorite.
Which is more valuable, Chlorite or Epidote?
Typical specimens of Chlorite and Epidote trade in a similar range, around $20.
