Vanadoallanite-(La) is an exceptionally rare member of the epidote group characterized by high vanadium content. It typically forms as dark, submetallic prismatic crystals in metamorphic environments and requires professional analysis for positive identification.

Hardness

6-6.5

Mohs

Luster

Submetallic

Streak

Brownish Grey

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareEpidote Group family

Vanadoallanite-(La)

Hardness: 6-6.5
Luster: Submetallic
Streak: Brownish Grey
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this vanadoallanite-(la)?

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 vanadoallanite-(la) with a known reference. Vanadoallanite-(La) sits at Mohs 6-6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vanadoallanite-(La) leaves a brownish grey streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Vanadoallanite-(La) typically shows a submetallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Vanadoallanite-(La) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Allanite

Mohs 5.5-6

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Vanadoallanite-(La) leaves brownish grey, Allanite leaves gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Vanadoallanite-(La) leaves brownish grey, Epidote leaves white; luster reads submetallic on Vanadoallanite-(La) and vitreous on Epidote.

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Often found alongside vanadoallanite-(la)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaLaVAlFe²⁺(SiO₄)(Si₂O₇)O(OH)
Mohs hardness: 6-6.5
Density: 3.8-4.0 g/cm³
Colors: Black Brown
Streak: Brownish Grey
Luster: Submetallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find vanadoallanite-(la)

Classic worldwide localities

Japan
Norway

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where vanadoallanite-(la) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, garnet in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vanadoallanite-(la)?+

Mohs hardness is 6-6.5. It typically shows a submetallic luster. The streak is brownish grey. Common colors include black, brown.

Where is vanadoallanite-(la) found?+

Notable localities include Japan; Norway.

How much is vanadoallanite-(la) 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 vanadoallanite-(la)?+

Vanadoallanite-(La) is most often confused with Allanite, Epidote. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with vanadoallanite-(la)?+

Vanadoallanite-(La) commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Feldspar, Garnet. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vanadoallanite-(la) form in?+

Vanadoallanite-(La) typically forms in metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vanadoallanite-(la) used for?+

Vanadoallanite-(La) is used in collector.

Find vanadoallanite-(la) on the map

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