Mengxianminite is a rare calcium tin magnesium borate that forms green irregular crystals. It occurs in a hsianghualite-bearing vein in the exocontact of a contact metamorphic rock. It was first described from Xianghualing sharn, Linwu County, Hunan Province, southern China.
Is this mengxianminite?
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 mengxianminite with a known reference. Mengxianminite sits at Mohs 8, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mengxianminite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Mengxianminite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: irregular crystals.
Often confused with
Mengxianminite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Mengxianminite is noticeably harder (Mohs 8 vs. 2.5); streak differs, so Mengxianminite leaves white, Teineite leaves pale blue.
How to tell apart: Mengxianminite is noticeably harder (Mohs 8 vs. 3); luster reads vitreous on Mengxianminite and pearly on Kettnerite.
Often found alongside mengxianminite
Minerals reported to co-occur with mengxianminite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂Sn₂Mg₃Al₈[(BO₃)(BeO₄)O₆]₂
- Mohs hardness
- 8
- Density
- 4.170 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Irregular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {100}, Good On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Tellurium-bearing Hydrothermal Veins
Where rockhounds find mengxianminite
Classic worldwide localities
- Dashuigou mine, Sichuan Province, China
Field-hunting tip
Look in tellurium-bearing hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where mengxianminite typically forms. If you start seeing teineite, xilingolite, gold in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a irregular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify mengxianminite?+
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What rocks look like mengxianminite?+
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Find mengxianminite on the map
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