Fluoro-cannilloite is an exceptionally rare member of the amphibole supergroup characterized by its fluorine-dominant site. It typically occurs as prismatic crystals within contact-metamorphosed limestone deposits and requires advanced analytical methods for positive identification.

Hardness
5-6
Mohs
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
White
Transparency
Translucent

Is this fluoro-cannilloite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

  • 1
    Test the hardness
    Try to scratch fluoro-cannilloite with a known reference. Fluoro-cannilloite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
  • 2
    Check the streak
    Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Fluoro-cannilloite leaves a white streak.
  • 3
    Read the luster
    Hold the specimen under a strong light. Fluoro-cannilloite typically shows a vitreous luster.
  • 4
    Match the color range
    Compare against the expected color range: brown, yellow-brown.
  • 5
    Look at form & habit
    Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Fluoro-cannilloite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside fluoro-cannilloite

Minerals reported to co-occur with fluoro-cannilloite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula
CaCa₂(Mg₄Al)(AlSi₇O₂₂)F₂
Mohs hardness
5-6
Streak
White
Luster
Vitreous
Transparency
Translucent
Crystal system
Monoclinic
Crystal habit
Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage
Perfect in Two Directions
Rarity
Rare
Uses
Collector
Host rock
Metamorphic Limestones

Where rockhounds find fluoro-cannilloite

Classic worldwide localities

  • Pargas, Finland

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic limestones country, the host setting where fluoro-cannilloite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, diopside, phlogopite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify fluoro-cannilloite?+
Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include brown, yellow-brown.
Where is fluoro-cannilloite found?+
Notable localities include Pargas, Finland.
What rocks look like fluoro-cannilloite?+
Fluoro-cannilloite is most often confused with Hastingsite, Edenite, Tremolite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.
What minerals are found with fluoro-cannilloite?+
Fluoro-cannilloite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Diopside, Phlogopite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does fluoro-cannilloite form in?+
Fluoro-cannilloite typically forms in metamorphic limestones. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is fluoro-cannilloite used for?+
Fluoro-cannilloite is used in collector.

Find fluoro-cannilloite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play