Mengxianminite is an extremely rare lead-copper tellurite mineral discovered in the Dashuigou tellurium deposit. It typically occurs as small, delicate, tabular yellowish crystals within hydrothermal vein systems associated with other rare tellurium minerals.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Mengxianminite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this mengxianminite?

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 mengxianminite with a known reference. Mengxianminite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mengxianminite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Mengxianminite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Teineite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Mengxianminite leaves white, Teineite leaves pale blue.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Mengxianminite and pearly on Kettnerite.

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Often found alongside mengxianminite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₂Cu₃Fe³⁺(TeO₃)₄O₂·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 3.37 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Tellurium-bearing Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $200-1000 per specimen

Where rockhounds find mengxianminite

Classic worldwide localities

Dashuigou mine, Sichuan Province, China

Field-hunting tip

Look in tellurium-bearing hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where mengxianminite typically forms. If you start seeing teineite, xilingolite, gold in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify mengxianminite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brownish-yellow.

Where is mengxianminite found?+

Notable localities include Dashuigou mine, Sichuan Province, China.

How much is mengxianminite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $200-1000 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is mengxianminite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and tellurium. Avoid inhaling dust or powder, and wash hands thoroughly after handling to prevent ingestion. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like mengxianminite?+

Mengxianminite is most often confused with Teineite, Kettnerite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with mengxianminite?+

Mengxianminite commonly co-occurs with teineite, xilingolite, gold, pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does mengxianminite form in?+

Mengxianminite typically forms in tellurium-bearing hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is mengxianminite used for?+

Mengxianminite is used in collector.

Find mengxianminite on the map

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