Mengxianminite is a rare calcium tin magnesium borate that forms green irregular crystals. It occurs in a hsianghualite-bearing vein in the exocontact of a contact metamorphic rock. It was first described from Xianghualing sharn, Linwu County, Hunan Province, southern China.
Is this mengxianminite?
4-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 mengxianminite with a known reference. Mengxianminite sits at Mohs 8, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 3Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brownish green.
- 4Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: irregular crystals.
Often confused with
Mengxianminite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
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
- Ca₂Sn₂Mg₃Al₈[(BO₃)(BeO₄)O₆]₂
- Mohs hardness
- 8
- Density
- 3.85 g/cm³
- Colors
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent to transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Irregular crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {100}, good on {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a hsianghualite-bearing vein in the exocontact of a contact metamorphic rock
Where rockhounds find mengxianminite
Classic worldwide localities
- Xianghualing sharn, Linwu County, Hunan Province, southern China
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a hsianghualite-bearing vein in the exocontact of a contact metamorphic rock. If you start seeing fluorite, phlogopite, hsianghualite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: irregular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify mengxianminite?+
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What rocks look like mengxianminite?+
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What kind of rock does mengxianminite form in?+
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Find mengxianminite on the map
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