Lingunite is a rare member of the amphibole group, specifically a variety within the tschermakite series. It is typically found in medium to high-grade metamorphic rocks and is identified by its dark, prismatic habit and characteristic amphibole cleavage.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareTschermakite family

Lingunite

Hardness: 6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this lingunite?

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 lingunite with a known reference. Lingunite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lingunite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Lingunite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, dark green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Hornblende

Mohs 5-6

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Lingunite leaves white, Hornblende leaves grayish-white.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Lingunite and vitreous to silky on Actinolite.

Compare →

Often found alongside lingunite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂(Mg,Al,Fe)₅(Al,Si)₈O₂₂(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 3.3-3.5 g/cm³
Colors: Black Dark Green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $20-100 per specimen

Where rockhounds find lingunite

Classic worldwide localities

Lingunite deposit, China
various amphibolite occurrences

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where lingunite typically forms. If you start seeing plagioclase, quartz, garnet in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify lingunite?+

Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include black, dark green.

Where is lingunite found?+

Notable localities include Lingunite deposit, China; various amphibolite occurrences.

How much is lingunite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like lingunite?+

Lingunite is most often confused with Hornblende, Tschermakite, Actinolite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with lingunite?+

Lingunite commonly co-occurs with Plagioclase, Quartz, Garnet. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does lingunite form in?+

Lingunite typically forms in metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is lingunite used for?+

Lingunite is used in collector.

Find lingunite on the map

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