Anandite is a rare barium-bearing mica known for its unique chemical composition containing sulfur in the structure. It typically occurs as small, dark, brittle platy crystals in metamorphic skarn environments. Collectors prize it for its scarcity and its inclusion in the mica group of sheet silicates.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Submetallic

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareMica Group family

Anandite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Submetallic
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this anandite?

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 anandite with a known reference. Anandite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Anandite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Anandite typically shows a submetallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy, tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Anandite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Biotite

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Luster reads submetallic on Anandite and pearly on Biotite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads submetallic on Anandite and pearly on Phlogopite.

Compare →

Often found alongside anandite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ba,K)(Fe²⁺,Mg)₃(Si,Al,Fe³⁺)₄O₁₀(OH,S)₂
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 3.55 g/cm³
Colors: Black Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Submetallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy, Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Skarns and Manganese Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find anandite

Classic worldwide localities

Kiruna, Sweden
Franklin, New Jersey, USA
Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic skarns and manganese deposits country — that is the host setting where anandite typically forms. If you start seeing magnetite, fluorapatite, baryte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy, tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify anandite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a submetallic luster. The streak is white. Common colors include black, brown.

Where is anandite found?+

Notable localities include Kiruna, Sweden; Franklin, New Jersey, USA; Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is anandite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like anandite?+

Anandite is most often confused with Biotite, Phlogopite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with anandite?+

Anandite commonly co-occurs with Magnetite, Fluorapatite, Baryte. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does anandite form in?+

Anandite typically forms in metamorphic skarns and manganese deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is anandite used for?+

Anandite is used in collector.

Find anandite on the map

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