Kanonaite is a rare manganese-rich member of the andalusite group, typically found in manganese-rich metamorphic environments. It is often distinguished from common andalusite by its darker, greener to blackish coloration and slightly higher density. Collectors mainly look for it in specialized localities where high-grade metamorphic processes have concentrated manganese.
Is this kanonaite?
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 kanonaite with a known reference. Kanonaite sits at Mohs 6.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: gray-green.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: greenish black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Kanonaite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Kanonaite leaves gray-green, Andalusite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Kanonaite leaves gray-green, Kyanite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Kanonaite leaves gray-green, Sillimanite leaves white.
Often found alongside kanonaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kanonaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Mn³⁺,Al)₂SiO₅
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5
- Density
- 3.395 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Gray-green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic crystals, massive, granular
- Cleavage
- Poor on {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Formed under low-grade metamorphic conditions, in a gahnite schist (Kanona, Zambia); in a schist (Salmchâteau, Belgium)
Where rockhounds find kanonaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Salm River, one km north of Salmchâteau, near Ottré, Ardennes Mountains, Belgium
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Formed under low-grade metamorphic conditions, in a gahnite schist (Kanona, Zambia); in a schist (Salmchâteau, Belgium). If you start seeing gahnite, magnesian chlorite, coronadite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive, granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kanonaite?+
Where is kanonaite found?+
What rocks look like kanonaite?+
What minerals are found with kanonaite?+
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Find kanonaite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
