Bussenite is a rare titanium-rich silicate mineral primarily found in alkaline intrusive complexes. Collectors should look for its characteristic yellowish-brown platy crystals or fibrous mats associated with nepheline-bearing pegmatites.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareLamprophyllite Group family

Bussenite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this bussenite?

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 bussenite with a known reference. Bussenite sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bussenite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Bussenite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, fibrous aggregates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Bussenite leaves white, Barytolamprophyllite leaves yellowish; luster reads vitreous on Bussenite and pearly on Barytolamprophyllite.

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Often found alongside bussenite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂Ba₂TiMnSi₄O₁₄(OH,F)₂
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 3.37 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Fibrous Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find bussenite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country, the host setting where bussenite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, fibrous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify bussenite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown.

Where is bussenite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada.

How much is bussenite 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 bussenite?+

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

What minerals are found with bussenite?+

Bussenite commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Nepheline, Microcline, Eudialyte. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does bussenite form in?+

Bussenite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is bussenite used for?+

Bussenite is used in collector.

Find bussenite on the map

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