Yangite is a rare lead-manganese silicate mineral primarily found in the Yangsuo Mine in China. It typically forms delicate, needle-like acicular crystals or radiating fibrous tufts that are visually distinctive for their pale blue or white coloration.

Hardness

4.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareApophyllite Group family

Yangite

Hardness: 4.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this yangite?

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 yangite with a known reference. Yangite sits at Mohs 4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Yangite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Yangite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: fibrous, acicular, radiating clusters.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Apophyllite

Mohs 4.5-5

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Yangite and vitreous to pearly on Apophyllite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Yangite and vitreous to silky on Pectolite.

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Often found alongside yangite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbMn₂Si₃O₈(OH)₂·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 4.5
Density: 2.42 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Blue
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Fibrous, Acicular, Radiating Clusters
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find yangite

Classic worldwide localities

Yangsuo Mine, Guangxi, China

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where yangite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, calcite, fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous, acicular, radiating clusters habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify yangite?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, pale blue.

Where is yangite found?+

Notable localities include Yangsuo Mine, Guangxi, China.

How much is yangite 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 yangite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and manganese; wash hands thoroughly after handling and do not ingest or inhale dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like yangite?+

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

What minerals are found with yangite?+

Yangite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Calcite, Fluorite, Galena. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does yangite form in?+

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

What is yangite used for?+

Yangite is used in collector.

Find yangite on the map

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