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 — Laihunite leaves yellowish-brown, Fayalite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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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