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 — 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 — that is 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.