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

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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).

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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 — that is 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.