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?
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 tsangpoite with a known reference. Tsangpoite sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tsangpoite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Tsangpoite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. 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
- Ba₅(PO₄)₂(PO₄SiO₄)
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 3.55 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular to Rhombohedral Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Ultramafic Rocks Within Ophiolite Complexes
- Typical price
- n/a
Where rockhounds find tsangpoite
Classic worldwide localities
- Yarlung Tsangpo ophiolite, Tibet, China
Field-hunting tip
Look in ultramafic rocks within ophiolite complexes country — that is the host setting where tsangpoite typically forms. If you start seeing diopside, forsterite, chromite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular to rhombohedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find tsangpoite on the map
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