Wonesite is a rare, sodium-rich mica that occurs primarily in metamorphic environments. It typically forms thin, flexible, platy crystals with a distinct pearly luster similar to other members of the mica group.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareMica Group family

Wonesite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this wonesite?

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 wonesite with a known reference. Wonesite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Wonesite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Wonesite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy, foliated.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside wonesite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Na,K)₀.₅(Mg,Fe,Al)₃(Al,Si)₄O₁₀(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 2.98 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy, Foliated
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $20-100 per specimen

Where rockhounds find wonesite

Classic worldwide localities

Wones Farm, Massachusetts, USA
Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify wonesite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, pale brown.

Where is wonesite found?+

Notable localities include Wones Farm, Massachusetts, USA; Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is wonesite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like wonesite?+

Wonesite is most often confused with Phlogopite, Biotite, Muscovite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with wonesite?+

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

What kind of rock does wonesite form in?+

Wonesite typically forms in metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is wonesite used for?+

Wonesite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find wonesite on the map

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