Vanadoallanite-(La) is an exceptionally rare member of the epidote group characterized by high vanadium content. It typically forms as dark, submetallic prismatic crystals in metamorphic environments and requires professional analysis for positive identification.
Is this vanadoallanite-(la)?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch vanadoallanite-(la) with a known reference. Vanadoallanite-(La) sits at Mohs 6-6.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vanadoallanite-(La) leaves a brownish gray streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Vanadoallanite-(La) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Vanadoallanite-(La) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Vanadoallanite-(La) leaves brownish gray, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads vitreous on Vanadoallanite-(La) and submetallic on Allanite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Vanadoallanite-(La) leaves brownish gray, Epidote leaves white.
Often found alongside vanadoallanite-(la)
Minerals reported to co-occur with vanadoallanite-(la). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaLaVAlFe²⁺(SiO₄)(Si₂O₇)O(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 6-6.5
- Density
- 3.8-4.0 g/cm³
- Streak
- Brownish Gray
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Imperfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Rocks
Where rockhounds find vanadoallanite-(la)
Classic worldwide localities
- Japan
- Norway
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic rocks country, the host setting where vanadoallanite-(la) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, garnet 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 vanadoallanite-(la)?+
Where is vanadoallanite-(la) found?+
What rocks look like vanadoallanite-(la)?+
What minerals are found with vanadoallanite-(la)?+
What kind of rock does vanadoallanite-(la) form in?+
What is vanadoallanite-(la) used for?+
Find vanadoallanite-(la) on the map
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