Tsangpoite is an extremely rare phosphate-silicate mineral first discovered in the Yarlung Tsangpo ophiolite in Tibet. It typically forms as small, clear, tabular crystals within the interstitial spaces of altered ultramafic rocks.
Is this tsangpoite?
3-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 tsangpoite with a known reference. Tsangpoite sits at Mohs 4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 3Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular to rhombohedral crystals.
Often confused with
Tsangpoite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside tsangpoite
Minerals reported to co-occur with tsangpoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₅(PO₄)₂(SiO₄)
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular to rhombohedral crystals
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In an angrite meteorite as well-defined domains associated with Fe sulfide near the contact between fayalite-kirschsteinite overgrowth/symplectite and hedenbergite
Where rockhounds find tsangpoite
Classic worldwide localities
- Yarlung Tsangpo ophiolite, Tibet, China
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In an angrite meteorite as well-defined domains associated with Fe sulfide near the contact between fayalite-kirschsteinite overgrowth/symplectite and hedenbergite. If you start seeing kuratite, ulvöspinel, hedenbergite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular to rhombohedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify tsangpoite?+
Where is tsangpoite found?+
What rocks look like tsangpoite?+
What minerals are found with tsangpoite?+
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Find tsangpoite on the map
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