Yangzhumingite is a rare fluorine-dominant member of the mica group found in specific carbonatite deposits. It typically forms thin, colorless to white platy crystals that exhibit perfect micaceous cleavage. Collectors value it primarily for its distinct composition and specific type locality in China.
Is this yangzhumingite?
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 yangzhumingite with a known reference. Yangzhumingite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: pearly.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Yangzhumingite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside yangzhumingite
Minerals reported to co-occur with yangzhumingite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KMg₂.₅Si₄O₁₀F₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.807 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Formed in metamorphosed carbonate rock in the transition zone between dolomite and slate in a rare earth-bearing deposit
Where rockhounds find yangzhumingite
Classic worldwide localities
- Bayan Obo, Inner Mongolia, China
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Formed in metamorphosed carbonate rock in the transition zone between dolomite and slate in a rare earth-bearing deposit. If you start seeing dolomite, calcite, tremolite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify yangzhumingite?+
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What rocks look like yangzhumingite?+
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Find yangzhumingite on the map
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