Qitianlingite is a rare niobium-tantalum-tungsten mineral found primarily in granitic pegmatites. It is visually very similar to columbite-group minerals, typically occurring as dark, submetallic tabular crystals that require chemical analysis for definitive identification.
Is this qitianlingite?
5-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 qitianlingite with a known reference. Qitianlingite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Qitianlingite leaves a dark brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Qitianlingite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular to prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Qitianlingite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Qitianlingite leaves dark brown, Columbium Ore leaves dark red to black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Qitianlingite leaves dark brown, Wolframite leaves dark brown to black; luster reads submetallic on Qitianlingite and submetallic to metallic on Wolframite.
Often found alongside qitianlingite
Minerals reported to co-occur with qitianlingite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Fe²⁺,Mn²⁺)₂(Nb,Ta)₂WO₁₀
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 5.59 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Dark Brown
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular to Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300+ depending on crystal quality
Where rockhounds find qitianlingite
Classic worldwide localities
- Qitianling granite, Hunan Province, China
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where qitianlingite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, zircon in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular to prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find qitianlingite on the map
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