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
Where rockhounds find wangdaodeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Wangdao, Henan Province, China
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic rocks country, 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
How do you identify wangdaodeite?+
Where is wangdaodeite found?+
What rocks look like wangdaodeite?+
What minerals are found with wangdaodeite?+
What kind of rock does wangdaodeite form in?+
What is wangdaodeite used for?+
Find wangdaodeite on the map
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