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 — Bobshannonite leaves brownish-yellow, Lomonosovite leaves yellowish brown.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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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