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, 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.