Nanlingite is an exceptionally rare calcium magnesium arsenite fluoride mineral discovered in the skarn deposits of China. It typically forms as small, tabular, yellowish-green to brown crystals and is primarily sought after by advanced mineral collectors specializing in rare species.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Nanlingite

Hardness: 4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this nanlingite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Mimetite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Nanlingite and adamantine on Mimetite.

How to tell apart: Clinohumite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6 vs. 4).

Compare →

Often found alongside nanlingite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₄Mg(AsO₃)₂F₄
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 4.2 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-green Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Skarn Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find nanlingite

Classic worldwide localities

Nanling Mountains, China

Field-hunting tip

Look in skarn deposits country, the host setting where nanlingite typically forms. If you start seeing arsenopyrite, diopside, fluorite 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 nanlingite?+

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

Where is nanlingite found?+

Notable localities include Nanling Mountains, China.

How much is nanlingite worth?+

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

Is nanlingite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic; avoid dust inhalation and handle with gloves. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like nanlingite?+

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

What minerals are found with nanlingite?+

Nanlingite commonly co-occurs with arsenopyrite, diopside, fluorite, calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does nanlingite form in?+

Nanlingite typically forms in skarn deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is nanlingite used for?+

Nanlingite is used in collector.

Find nanlingite on the map

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