Jinshajiangite is a rare titanium-rich silicate mineral found primarily in alkaline igneous environments. It typically forms thin, brown, micaceous plates or radial sprays that can be easily mistaken for other members of the astrophyllite or bafertisite groups.
Is this jinshajiangite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch jinshajiangite with a known reference. Jinshajiangite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Jinshajiangite leaves a yellow-brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Jinshajiangite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, yellow-brown, dark brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, radial aggregates, massive.
Often confused with
Jinshajiangite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Jinshajiangite leaves yellow-brown, Bafertisite leaves yellowish; luster reads vitreous on Jinshajiangite and pearly on Bafertisite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Jinshajiangite leaves yellow-brown, Astrophyllite leaves golden-brown; luster reads vitreous on Jinshajiangite and submetallic on Astrophyllite.
Often found alongside jinshajiangite
Minerals reported to co-occur with jinshajiangite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- BaNaFe₂Ti₂(Si₂O₇)₂O₂(OH,F)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 3.84 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellow-brown
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Radial Aggregates, Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and crystallization
Where rockhounds find jinshajiangite
Classic worldwide localities
- Jinsha River, Sichuan Province, China
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, pegmatites country — that is the host setting where jinshajiangite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, titanite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, radial aggregates, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find jinshajiangite on the map
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