Zhanghuifenite is a rare phosphate mineral from the Fillowite group, typically found as small, translucent yellow granular masses within complex granite pegmatites. It is primarily a collector's species identified through advanced chemical analysis, often associated with other rare pegmatitic phosphate minerals.
Is this zhanghuifenite?
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 zhanghuifenite with a known reference. Zhanghuifenite sits at Mohs 4-4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zhanghuifenite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Zhanghuifenite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: granular.
Often confused with
Zhanghuifenite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside zhanghuifenite
Minerals reported to co-occur with zhanghuifenite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₄Mn₄Mg(PO₄)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 4-4.5
- Density
- 3.83 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 depending on specimen quality and size
Where rockhounds find zhanghuifenite
Classic worldwide localities
- Xuefengshan, Hunan Province, China
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where zhanghuifenite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, muscovite, beryl in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find zhanghuifenite on the map
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