Zabuyelite
A variety of Minerals
What is Zabuyelite?
Zabuyelite is the natural mineral form of lithium carbonate, with a formula Li2CO3. It was discovered in 1987 at Lake Zabuye, Tibet, after which it is named. It forms colorless vitreous monoclinic crystals. It occurs as inclusions within halite in lithium rich evaporites and as solid phase in fluid inclusions in the mineral spodumene. Associated minerals include halite, gaylussite and northupite in the Tibet locality. In addition to the Tibetan salt lake it has been reported from Bikita and Kamativi in Zimbabwe, from Kings Mountain, Cleveland County, North Carolina, US and the Tanco pegmatite, Bernic Lake, Manitoba, Canada.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Zabuyelite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Colourless
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3
- Rock tumbling
- Not recommended
- Density
- 2.096 g/cm³
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Li2CO3
- Elements
- C, Li, O
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Zabuyelite FAQs
How do I identify Zabuyelite?
Zabuyelite can be identified by its hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, Colourless color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Zabuyelite?
Zabuyelite typically appears in Colourless. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Zabuyelite?
Zabuyelite has a hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
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