Luanshiweiite is a rare lithium-bearing mica characterized by its distinct platy habit and pearly luster. First described in China, it is typically found in pegmatitic environments and can be difficult to distinguish from common muscovite without laboratory analysis. It is primarily sought after by advanced collectors of rare mica species.
Is this luanshiweiite?
2-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 luanshiweiite with a known reference. Luanshiweiite sits at Mohs ~3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy, micaceous.
Often confused with
Luanshiweiite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside luanshiweiite
Minerals reported to co-occur with luanshiweiite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KLiAl₁.₅(Si₃.₅Al₀.₅)O₁₀(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- ~3
- Density
- 2.851 g/cm³
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy, micaceous
- Cleavage
- Perfect on (001)
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In veinlets cutting and the outer zone of a granitic pegmatite dike
Where rockhounds find luanshiweiite
Classic worldwide localities
- Luanshiwei, Hubei Province, China
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In veinlets cutting and the outer zone of a granitic pegmatite dike. If you start seeing quartz, montebrasite, pollucite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy, micaceous. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify luanshiweiite?+
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What rocks look like luanshiweiite?+
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Find luanshiweiite on the map
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