Gemstone profile and identification guide
Allanite
Allanite is a rare-earth-bearing member of the epidote group with limited use as a gemstone and strong collector value.
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Overview
Allanite is a rare-earth-bearing member of the epidote group with limited use as a gemstone and strong collector value.
Did you know? Allanite commonly contains rare-earth elements and can show weak radioactivity in some specimens.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Allanite
Scientific classification: Silicate (Epidote Group: Allanite)
Hardness: 5.75 Mohs
Transparency: opaque
Lustre: resinous to vitreous
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Primary colour: Black
Secondary colour: Brown
Colour family: Blacks
Dark color, monoclinic epidote-group context, and elevated specific gravity are key indicators.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Values are reported as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: medium
Hardness value: 5.75 Mohs
Chemical composition: Complex rare-earth calcium aluminum iron sorosilicate (species-variable)
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Common locations: Pakistan, Norway, Russia, United States, Madagascar
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Dark brown to black epidote-group mineral, usually opaque.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Allanite (epidote group)
Mineral group: Epidote group
Chemical formula: Complex rare-earth calcium aluminum iron sorosilicate (species-variable)
Mohs hardness: 5.75
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Lustre: resinous to vitreous
Transparency: opaque
Streak: Grey to brown
Cleavage: Perfect in one direction
Fracture: Uneven
Specific gravity: 3.5-4.2
Refractive index: 1.70-1.80 (variable)
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Brown to black
Common inclusions: Pegmatitic matrix minerals and fractures
Geological environment: Pegmatites, metamorphic rocks, hydrothermal systems
Principal mining regions: Pakistan, Norway, Russia, United States, Madagascar
Important commercial sources: Collector allanite is sourced from pegmatites and metamorphic terrains in multiple countries including Pakistan and Norway
Historical significance: Known mainly as a mineralogical species rather than mainstream gem.
Common treatments: Generally untreated.
Synthetic or imitation forms: No common synthetic gem counterpart.
Common look-alikes: Epidote, schorl, dark hornblende
Jewellery uses: Used mostly in collector specimens and occasional ornamental cabochons.
Care recommendations: Moderate hardness and cleavage require gentle handling; avoid high-impact wear.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Allanite.
Formation
Forms in granitic pegmatites, metamorphic rocks, and hydrothermal systems.
Origin
Collector allanite is sourced from pegmatites and metamorphic terrains in multiple countries including Pakistan and Norway
Uses
Best for: Used mostly in collector specimens and occasional ornamental cabochons.
Ideal uses: Mineral collection and low-impact ornamental use.
Care
Moderate hardness and cleavage require gentle handling; avoid high-impact wear.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Allanite FAQ
How can I identify Allanite?
Compare hardness (5.75 Mohs), crystal system (Monoclinic), colour profile, and lustre (resinous to vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Allanite appear in?
Dark brown to black epidote-group mineral, usually opaque.
Where is Allanite commonly used?
Mineral collection and low-impact ornamental use.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 04 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 04 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 04 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 04 factual verification pass.