Minjiangite is an extremely rare barium borophosphate mineral that crystallizes in the monoclinic system. It is primarily found as small, clear tabular crystals associated with hydrothermal deposits, requiring professional analysis for definitive identification.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Transparency

Transparent to translucent

mineralrare

Minjiangite

Hardness: ~6
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent to translucent

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Is this minjiangite?

4-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 minjiangite with a known reference. Minjiangite sits at Mohs ~6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Barite

Mohs 3-3.5

How to tell apart: Minjiangite is noticeably harder (Mohs ~6 vs. 3-3.5).

How to tell apart: Danburite is the harder of the two (Mohs 7-7.25 vs. ~6).

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Often found alongside minjiangite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: BaBe₂P₂O₈
Mohs hardness: ~6
Density: 3.49 g/cm³
Colors: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Tabular crystals
Cleavage: None observed
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In fractures cutting montebrasite, as a late hydrothermal secondary mineral in a Be-rich, zoned pegmatite

Where rockhounds find minjiangite

Classic worldwide localities

Minjiang, Sichuan Province, China

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In fractures cutting montebrasite, as a late hydrothermal secondary mineral in a Be-rich, zoned pegmatite. If you start seeing montebrasite, quartz, muscovite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify minjiangite?+

Mohs hardness is ~6. Luster: vitreous. Common colors include white.

Where is minjiangite found?+

Notable localities include Minjiang, Sichuan Province, China.

Is minjiangite safe to handle?+

Minjiangite contains beryllium. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.

What rocks look like minjiangite?+

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

What minerals are found with minjiangite?+

Minjiangite commonly co-occurs with Montebrasite, Quartz, Muscovite, Hydroxylapatite, Palermoite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does minjiangite form in?+

Where it forms: In fractures cutting montebrasite, as a late hydrothermal secondary mineral in a Be-rich, zoned pegmatite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is minjiangite used for?+

Minjiangite is used in collector.

Find minjiangite on the map

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