Minjiangite is an extremely rare barium borophosphate mineral that crystallizes in the monoclinic system. It is primarily found as small, clear tabular crystals associated with hydrothermal deposits, requiring professional analysis for definitive identification.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Minjiangite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this minjiangite?

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 minjiangite with a known reference. Minjiangite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Minjiangite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Minjiangite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Danburite is the harder of the two (Mohs 7-7.5 vs. 3.5).

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Often found alongside minjiangite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: BaBPO₄
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.17 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find minjiangite

Classic worldwide localities

Minjiang, Sichuan Province, China

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where minjiangite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, calcite, muscovite 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 minjiangite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is minjiangite found?+

Notable localities include Minjiang, Sichuan Province, China.

How much is minjiangite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like minjiangite?+

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

What minerals are found with minjiangite?+

Minjiangite commonly co-occurs with quartz, calcite, muscovite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does minjiangite form in?+

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

What is minjiangite used for?+

Minjiangite is used in collector.

Find minjiangite on the map

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