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, so Qitianlingite leaves dark brown, Columbium Ore leaves dark red to black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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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