The oxide layers have the same structure as brucite . Clinohumite has four stacked olivine layers that alternate between the brucite layers. This formula distinguishes the chemistry of the two types of layers. The most common member of the Humite Group is chondrodite which has two olivine layers between each brucite layer. Humite, the namesake of the group, has three.
Color is yellow, red, brown or orange.
Luster is vitreous to resinous. Crystals are transparent to translucent. Crystal Habits include small prismatic to rounded crystals, but as is most commonly the case, as embedded indistinct grains. Lamellar twinning is common. Cleavage is poor in one direction, basal.