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

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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, so Lingunite leaves white, Hornblende leaves grayish-white.

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

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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, 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.