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?
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 luanshiweiite with a known reference. Luanshiweiite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Luanshiweiite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luanshiweiite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look 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(Al₀.₅Si₃.₅)O₁₀F₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 2.7-2.8 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy, Micaceous
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find luanshiweiite
Classic worldwide localities
- Luanshiwei, Hubei Province, China
Field-hunting tip
Look in pegmatites country — that is the host setting where luanshiweiite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, albite, tourmaline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy, micaceous habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find luanshiweiite on the map
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