Changbaiite is an extremely rare lead niobate mineral found in specific alkaline pegmatites. It typically occurs as small, colorless tabular crystals and is prized primarily by mineralogists and advanced systematic collectors.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrarenull family

Changbaiite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this changbaiite?

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 changbaiite with a known reference. Changbaiite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Changbaiite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Changbaiite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Columbium Ore

Mohs 6

How to tell apart: Columbium Ore is the harder of the two (Mohs 6 vs. 3.5); streak differs — Changbaiite leaves white, Columbium Ore leaves dark red to black; luster reads vitreous on Changbaiite and submetallic on Columbium Ore.

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Often found alongside changbaiite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbNb₂O₆
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 5.33 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size

Where rockhounds find changbaiite

Classic worldwide localities

Changbai Mountain, Jilin Province, China

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where changbaiite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify changbaiite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is changbaiite found?+

Notable localities include Changbai Mountain, Jilin Province, China.

How much is changbaiite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen size. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is changbaiite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is a toxic heavy metal; handle with care and wash hands after contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like changbaiite?+

Changbaiite is most often confused with Columbium Ore. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with changbaiite?+

Changbaiite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Microcline, Albite, Beryl. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does changbaiite form in?+

Changbaiite typically forms in alkaline granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is changbaiite used for?+

Changbaiite is used in collector.

Find changbaiite on the map

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