Allanite is a sorosilicate group of minerals within the broader epidote group that contain a significant amount of rare-earth elements. The mineral occurs mainly in metamorphosed clay-rich sediments and felsic igneous rocks.

What is Allanite used for?

It is a common mineral but often occurs in very accessory and in very small crystals. Allanite can be used as cerium and rare earth ore. The macro-samples are only for the collection but because of its content of radioactive elements, allanite is also used by geologists for rocks datations.

How do you identify Allanite?

Allanite is usually black in color, but can be brown or brown-violet. It is often coated with a yellow-brown alteration product, likely limonite. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and forms prismatic crystals. It has a Mohs hardness of 5.5–6 and a specific gravity of 3.5–4.2.