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, 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
How do you identify zhanghuifenite?+
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What rocks look like zhanghuifenite?+
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Find zhanghuifenite on the map
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