How do I identify Yangite?

Yangite can be identified by its hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale, colorless to pale brown (in transmitted light) color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Yangite?

Yangite typically appears in colorless to pale brown (in transmitted light). Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

Yangite has a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Yangite

A variety of Minerals

What is Yangite?

Yangite (PbMnSi3O8•H2O) is a chain-silicate mineral, first discovered within the Kombat mine in Namibia. The mineral is named after Hexiong Yang, a researcher within University of Arizona's Department of Geosciences. Yangite was approved as a valid mineral species by the International Mineralogical Association in 2012.

Yangite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Yangite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Yangite Localities Map

See where Yangite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Characteristics of Yangite

Yangite is colorless, ranging to pale brown when exposed to transmitted light. The mineral has a vitreous luster and streaks white. Yangite maintains a Mohs hardness of five, and demonstrates perfect cleavage along {101}. There is no evidence of twinning or parting within the available specimens. Yangite is sectile, commonly found with bladed or platy habit. The mineral is biaxial, elongated up to 12 mm in length along the [010] axis. Yangite is insoluble in several fluids, including water, acetone, and hydrochloric acid.

Formation of Yangite

Yangite was initially found within a specimen taken from the Kombat mine, located in the Otavi Valley, Namibia. The specimen was obtained from John Innes, a senior mineralogist of the Tsumeb Corporation. Yangite occurs in an ore defined as an epithermal association. This ore type forms with narrow veins composed of galena, rhodochrosite, helvite, and barite.

Composition of Yangite

The chain silicate structure is formed by double wollastonite chains. These tetrahedral formations run parallel with the [010] axis and connect with Mn-polyhedra and Pb-polyhedra at the corners. The chains are also defined by four-membered and six-membered alternating tetrahedral rings. Yangite has three Si tetrahedral sites, defined as Si1, Si2, and Si3. Respectively, the average bond lengths are 1.622 Å, 1.622 Å, and 1.624 Å. Yangite is composed of an octahedrally coordinated Mn cation. Within the crystal structure, Pb has a coordination number of five, bonded with O molecules.