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

Vitreous

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareEpidote Group family

Vanadoallanite-(La)

Hardness: 6-6.5
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this vanadoallanite-(la)?

4-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
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark brown.
4
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: Luster reads vitreous on Vanadoallanite-(La) and submetallic on Allanite.

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: 4.15 g/cm³
Colors: Dark brown
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic crystals
Cleavage: Imperfect on {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In a vein cutting a stratiform ferromanganese deposit

Where rockhounds find vanadoallanite-(la)

Classic worldwide localities

Shobu area, Ise City, Mie Prefecture, Japan

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In a vein cutting a stratiform ferromanganese deposit. If you start seeing rhodochrosite, tephroite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vanadoallanite-(la)?+

Mohs hardness is 6-6.5. Luster: vitreous. Common colors include dark brown.

Where is vanadoallanite-(la) found?+

Notable localities include Shobu area, Ise City, Mie Prefecture, Japan.

Is vanadoallanite-(la) safe to handle?+

Vanadoallanite-(La) contains vanadium. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.

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 Rhodochrosite, Tephroite, Magnetite, Hematite, Caryopilite, Monazite-. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Where it forms: In a vein cutting a stratiform ferromanganese deposit. 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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