Banalsite is a rare barium-sodium aluminosilicate that primarily occurs in metamorphosed manganese deposits. It typically forms as small, tabular white to colorless crystals, though it is often found in massive or granular aggregates that require analytical verification for positive identification.
Is this banalsite?
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 banalsite with a known reference. Banalsite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Banalsite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Banalsite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Banalsite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside banalsite
Minerals reported to co-occur with banalsite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂BaAl₄Si₄O₁₆
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 2.83 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Research
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Manganese Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find banalsite
Classic worldwide localities
- Benallt Mine, Wales
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Franklin, New Jersey
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed manganese ore deposits country — that is the host setting where banalsite typically forms. If you start seeing ganophyllite, alleghanyite, friedelite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify banalsite?+
Where is banalsite found?+
How much is banalsite worth?+
What rocks look like banalsite?+
What minerals are found with banalsite?+
What kind of rock does banalsite form in?+
What is banalsite used for?+
Find banalsite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
