Wangdaodeite is a very rare silicate mineral identified from high-pressure metamorphic environments. It typically occurs as minute grains embedded within silicate-rich host rocks and is of interest primarily to mineralogists and researchers studying high-pressure phases.
Is this wangdaodeite?
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 wangdaodeite with a known reference. Wangdaodeite 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. Wangdaodeite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Wangdaodeite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: microscopic grains.
Often confused with
Wangdaodeite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside wangdaodeite
Minerals reported to co-occur with wangdaodeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Li₂Ca(SiO₃)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Microscopic Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- n/a
Where rockhounds find wangdaodeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Wangdao, Henan Province, China
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where wangdaodeite typically forms. If you start seeing diopside, calcite, forsterite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microscopic grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find wangdaodeite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
