Ximengite is a rare bismuth phosphate mineral that typically forms as small, tabular crystals or fine granular masses. It is primarily identified by its occurrence in specific hydrothermal environments and requires mineralogical analysis for definitive identification due to its similarity to other rare bismuth species.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Ximengite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this ximengite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch ximengite with a known reference. Ximengite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ximengite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ximengite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, granular aggregates.

Often confused with

Ximengite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Monazite

Mohs 5-5.5

How to tell apart: Monazite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. 3.5); luster reads vitreous on Ximengite and resinous on Monazite.

How to tell apart: Cheralite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 3.5).

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Often found alongside ximengite

Minerals reported to co-occur with ximengite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: BiPO₄
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 4.55 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-white Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find ximengite

Classic worldwide localities

Ximeng, Inner Mongolia, China
Brumado, Bahia, Brazil

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where ximengite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, bismutite, muscovite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ximengite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-white, colorless.

Where is ximengite found?+

Notable localities include Ximeng, Inner Mongolia, China; Brumado, Bahia, Brazil.

How much is ximengite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is ximengite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains bismuth, which is generally low toxicity, but handle with care as it is an heavy metal mineral; avoid inhalation of dust when trimming or processing. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like ximengite?+

Ximengite is most often confused with Monazite, Cheralite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with ximengite?+

Ximengite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Bismutite, Muscovite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ximengite form in?+

Ximengite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ximengite used for?+

Ximengite is used in collector.

Find ximengite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.