Laihunite is a rare oxidation product of fayalite that is structurally related to the olivine group. Collectors typically find it as dark, reddish-brown to black masses or grains within metamorphic iron-rich rock formations.
Is this laihunite?
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 laihunite with a known reference. Laihunite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Laihunite leaves a yellowish-brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Laihunite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: reddish-brown, brown, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Laihunite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Laihunite leaves yellowish-brown, Fayalite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Laihunite leaves yellowish-brown, Iron Ore leaves reddish-brown to black; luster reads vitreous on Laihunite and metallic to submetallic on Iron Ore.
Often found alongside laihunite
Minerals reported to co-occur with laihunite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe²⁺Fe³⁺₂(SiO₄)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.8-3.9 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-brown
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Iron Formations
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find laihunite
Classic worldwide localities
- Laihun mine, Liaoning Province, China
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic iron formations country, the host setting where laihunite typically forms. If you start seeing fayalite, magnetite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find laihunite on the map
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