Bobshannonite is a very rare member of the lomonosovite group, typically identified by its distinct brownish-red tabular crystal morphology. It is primarily known from the alkaline complex at Mont Saint-Hilaire, where it occurs within pegmatitic miarolitic cavities alongside a suite of complex titanium and silicate minerals.
Is this bobshannonite?
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 bobshannonite with a known reference. Bobshannonite sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bobshannonite leaves a brownish-yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Bobshannonite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark brown, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Bobshannonite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Bobshannonite leaves brownish-yellow, Lomonosovite leaves yellowish brown.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Bobshannonite leaves brownish-yellow, Murmanite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Bobshannonite and pearly on Murmanite.
Often found alongside bobshannonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with bobshannonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂KBa(Mn,Na)₈Ti₂Si₈O₂₆(OH)₄(F,O)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brownish-yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find bobshannonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country, the host setting where bobshannonite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find bobshannonite on the map
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