Minerals of Inner Mongolia for Sale- Huanggang (Huanggangliang) Iron Mine, Chifeng Prefecture, China. Fluorite, Aquamarine, Manganocalcite helvite genthelvite, Pink Fluorite, Hedenbergite, Datolite, Rhodonite, Arsenopyrite and more!

While there are new finds presented at almost every show, the vast majority come from one-time pockets, or from locations that are well established specimen producers (e.g. the Dal’Negorsk mines, Yaogangxian, etc.) It is not often that a major new specimen producing locality is discovered, yet over the past year the Huanggang Iron Mine in China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has become just that. It started with some ilvaite crystals at Munich 2010. At the following Tucson show a few months later, those single crystals had become world class clusters of ilvaite, and there were also large manganocalcite fans, and a few specimens of andradite garnet. Since then there have been several other occurrences, some rather important, and others just interesting.

Through past experience I have learned that when it comes to new finds of Chinese minerals, the best specimens tend to be found early on, and the rarer species over short intervals. Keeping that in mind, I have tried to get as many types of the new material as possible. I have been paying very close attention to the stuff coming from here, and to my knowledge there are only 3 discoveries (so far) not included on this page: rhodonite, purple fluorite with arsenopyrite, and brown/tan calcite balls from a neighboring mine.

I have seen scattered specimens offered in Tucson and Denver, as well as online, and I am told that there was more available recently in Munich. If nothing else, this page will hopefully serve to showcase the variety of minerals from this important new locality, and help to provide a more complete picture of what has been found at Huanggang to date.

Two finds deserve special mention: the first is the genthelvite. Initially sold as “helvite”, these were later found to be genthelvite, and world class examples of the species at that. Genthelvite is known as decent specimens only from Mont Sant Hilaire and a couple places in Pakistan, most notably Zagi Mountain. To provide some insight into the rarity of those Pakistani pieces however, I STILL haven’t seen one for sale in Pakistan after several trips to Peshawar.

The second find of particular note is the pink fluorite. Whether from Pakistan or the Alps, pink octahedral fluorite is one of the most sought after forms of the mineral. While these do not posses the deep color of the best Alpine specimens, some do bear a resemblance—except the dark quartz has been swapped for black ilvaite, and the green chlorite for hedenbergite. They are certainly unique for China, a country known mainly for large plates and masses of the mineral, almost always in blues, greens or purples. Unfortunately I was only able to get one piece prepared in time for this update-- I have a couple more but the preparation/cleaning process with take forever....

Also, a side note about the locality. This has mostly been cleared up by now, but early on, specimens were labeled as coming from “Baotou,” this is incorrect and labels should be changed. Baotou is a prefecture-level division home to the Bayan Obo REE deposits (which may be familiar to some as the source of the first Chinese wulfenites to hit the market, tiny orange crystals that appeared about a year before the major Xinjiang find). I suspect the mix-up was due to a combination of Chinese dealers seeking to hide their real source, and Baotou being the only well known specimen producer in the region. The actual locality is located in Chifeng prefecture, a hundreds of miles to the east of Baotou.

There is also a second mine in the area (Dong Po) that has produced some interesting globular calcites and decent (though more typical) fluorites very recently, this update focuses mainly on material from the various Hunggang Iron Mine workings.

IMCN1 (Pink!) Fluorite with Genthelvite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
17.4x 12.9x 10.9 cm

$4000

A large cabinet specimen, hosting a one inch pink fluorite octahedron, as well as a 2 cm cluster of genthelvite near the base. The entire specimen is coated with a thick iron rich sludge and numerous decomposing ilvaites, but over this has crystallized a beautiful pink fluorite octahedron.

This could be trimmed into a more to-the-point fluorite specimen (removing some of the broken ilvaite in the process), but I decided against it given that this is the only specimen I have seen with BOTH genthelvite and fluorite on one piece. I figured that made it special enough to merit leaving it intact.

This is perhaps one of the most beautiful and exciting things to come from Huanggang yet—pink fluorite! This combination of habit and color is perhaps the most sought after of the species, and has previously only come from the alps and intermittently from Pakistan. They are certainly unique for China, a country known mainly for large plates and masses of the mineral, almost always in blues, greens or purples. In contrast, to those fluorites these have a much more refined and delicate appearance.

Unfortunately, many pieces were found with a thin hedenbergite coating over the fluorite. The hedenbergite was easily removed using HF, but it left the fluorites with rough surfaces. The rough surfaces diffused light giving them a pale appearance, so for what I understand, many of these were heavily oiled. This piece is not oiled, and does not have the issue of rough surfaces.

These were sent to me from China about a month before the Munich show, where (from what I have seen online) a few dealers had specimens on display. According to John Veevaert’s show report, “the average price was about 7,000 euro for an average specimen”…. That’s about $10,000. I don't know how accurate that is, but in any case, the price here is certainly less than you'd pay at a show.

IMCN2 (Pink!) Fluorite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
14.7x 10.1x 6.6 cm

$665

Another ponk fluorite specimen from china, the color is somewhat darker on this one, and the crystals are a bit smaller. I suspect this is from a different find than the larger octahedrons, based the difference in color and associated minerals.

The surfaces of these crystals are a bit frosted, and this is the type of specimen that the Chinese dealers would typically oil. I have not oiled this piece, and it is in its natural state. As a result, the crystals do not display their full color. What you would see without any oiling is actually a bit lighter than in the photograph, due to light diffusing off the surfaces.

IMCN3 Magnetite, Quartz, Manganocalcite Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China 21.7x 13.0x 8.7 cm $6500 This is a major magnetite. This exceptional specimen is composed of DODECAHEDRAL (!!!) crystals. This form is highly unusual in magnetite, except (I am told) in skarn deposits. Everywhere else, they are usually octahedral—think back to the Bolivian pieces, or the loose brazilian octahedrons. I have seen a few of these now, but none of the crystals have been nearly as large, and they have always been tightly clustered masses closely resembling the andradites from the same locality, except with a more metallic appearance and (usually) striated faces. The two minerals have tended to look so similar in fact, that I saw a couple magnetites being offered as garnets. (For a more typical example, see specimen IMCN15) For magnetite in general, this is a great specimen. The crystal is huge, and the quartz/ calcite association makes it all the more visually appealing. But the fact that the crystals are dodecahedral really makes this something special—I haven’t seen many magnetite crystals this big, and certainly none with this habit. Simply put, this is a major magnetite, worthy of being in a museum collection. The way things are these days, I would not be surprised to see a piece like this for double the price at a show...

IMCN4 Quartz (Multiple Scepters!)

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
14.7x 10.5x 5.7 cm

I generally do not like quartz. When I saw this piece however, I just had to have it. I even ended up paying more than the asking price to beat out another buyer. To begin with, of the many diverse forms that quartz takes. quartz scepters are one of the more uncommon ones. More importantly, when scepters do occur, they are usually single, matrixless crystals—that is especially true of larger examples.

To find such a large specimen, consisting of so many sceptered crystals is highly unusual. More interesting still, is that the terminations are colorless while the shafts are brown.

This is a beautiful piece, entirely damage free, and with quite a bit of visual impact. It is a very special piece of quartz!

IMCN5 Ilvaite with Arsenopyrite, Hedenbergite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
16.6x 12.0x 10.5 cm

$900

This specimen consists of (at least) two large spherical clusters of ilvaite that have grown on a spray of hedenbergite, that have then been coated by a second generation of hedenbergite, along with a number of isolated arsenopyrite crystals.

I have seen a number of these, but for the size it is remarkably free of damage and unusually aesthetic. These have tended to be one of the more unappealing things to come from the mine so far-- but I have to say, this one is kind of pretty. It is also exceptionally large.

The white powdery looking thing on the end of some of the ilvaites is not damage, it is actually something else crystalizing over the hedenbergite coating. In any case, it highlights some of the terminations and improves the appearance.

IMCN6 Genthelvite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
9.7x 7.2x 6.7 cm

$2400

A cabinet specimen of absolutely HUGE genthelvite crystals on matrix. The cluster measures 3.7 cm

There are saw mars on the back as well as on the right side of the specimen, just below the genthelvite, this is clearly visible in the pictures.

It goes without saying that this find has produced world class examples of the species, and the pieces presented here are among the best from this limited find.

Genthelvite is known as decent specimens only from Mont Sant Hilaire (Canada) and and a couple localities in Pakistan, particularly Zagi Mountain.

At MSH, the crystals were always very small, usually yellowish clusters. To put things in perspective, a 1.5 cm crystal was considered gigantic there. Zagi Mountain also produced some single crystals on matrix, some quite large. After Baotite however, it is probably the rarest thing from the site (after several trips to Pakistan I STILL haven’t seen one for sale in Peshawar.)

These are truly exceptional examples of the species, and I do believe the term “world class” can be applied to the genthelvites from this find. I have only seen a very small quantity, and those that I have posted here are the best by a long shot.

IMCN7 Genthelvite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
6.2x 4.1x 3.3 cm

$2900

It goes without saying that this find has produced world class examples of the species, and the pieces presented here are among the best from this limited find.

Genthelvite is known as decent specimens only from Mont Sant Hilaire (Canada) and and a couple localities in Pakistan, particularly Zagi Mountain.

IMCN8 Genthelvite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
6.1x 3.9x 4.0 cm

$850

In addition to the pink fluorite, another truly exciting find at Huanggang has been a very limited number of genthelvite specimens. They were initially labeled as helvite, but I was tipped off by a good friend that they were actually much rarer genthelvite, and later tests have since confirmed this.

It goes without saying that this find has produced world class examples of the species, and the pieces presented here are among the best from this limited find.

Genthelvite is known as decent specimens only from Mont Sant Hilaire (Canada) and and a couple localities in Pakistan, particularly Zagi Mountain.

IMCN9 Genthelvite on Dodecahedral (!) Magnetite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
5.2x 4.1x 3.1 cm

$950

A very unusual genthelvite, the only one I was able to get that had a magnetite association. Before I even mention the genthelvite, it is worth noting that the magnetite matrix is composed of dodecahedral crystals. This is highly unusual in magnetite, except (I am told) in skarn deposits. Everywhere else, they are usually octahedral.

Interesting as that is however, the focus of the specimen is the very rare genthelvite. There are several brown crystals scattered on top of the magnetite, and while the larger, nearly solid clusters of genthelvite I have posted are undoubtedly richer and more impressive examples of the species, the combination of magnetite and genthelvite makes this one quite unique, and to my mind, a much more delicate and beautiful example.

IMCN10 Genthelvite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
4.8x 3.6x 2.7 cm

$880

A cluster of genthelvite crystals crystallized between flat layers of some silicate mineral (quartz or albite?) There is some damage on the lower center of the specimen that is hard to see in the photograph, but this remains an exceptional cluster of the species, and the price more than takes this damage into account. More than that, the crystals are incredibly sharp and pointed.. if you hold it too tight, you will get hurt!

It goes without saying that this find has produced world class examples of the species, and the pieces presented here are among the best from this limited find.

Genthelvite is known as decent specimens only from Mont Sant Hilaire (Canada) and and a couple localities in Pakistan, particularly Zagi Mountain.

IMCN11 Genthelvite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
4.3x 4.2x 2.3 cm

$1350

A great cluster of rather large and very sharp genthelvite crystals with a minor quartz association.

It goes without saying that this find has produced world class examples of the species, and the pieces presented here are among the best from this limited find.

Genthelvite is known as decent specimens only from Mont Sant Hilaire (Canada) and and a couple localities in Pakistan, particularly Zagi Mountain.

IMCN12 Genthelvite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
7.2x 4.5x 4.7 cm

$495

A single tetrahedral genthelvite crystal on a quartz matrix. Granted its not the prettiest piece, but given what is generally available of the species, it's pretty good.

It goes without saying that this find has produced world class examples of the species, and the pieces presented here are among the best from this limited find.

Genthelvite is known as decent specimens only from Mont Sant Hilaire (Canada) and and a couple localities in Pakistan, particularly Zagi Mountain.

NRK4 Manganocalcite

Neimeng, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, China

14.8x 12.5x 9.2 cm

$1000

A very large fan shaped cluster of pink manganocalcite from a new find. A limited number of specimens from this find were first debuted by a couple Chinese dealers at Tucson 2011, and by the end of the show all of them had been sold. There have since been more found in limited numbers, this is one of those pieces.

They are very remeniscent of the manganocalcite fans from Dal'Negorsk, only much much larger than the typical specimen from that locality.

This is a fairly large, damage free example with good color.

TL07 Manganocalcite

Neimeng, Chifeng Area, Inner Mongolia, China

13.5x 7.3x 4.2 cm

They are very remeniscent of the manganocalcite fans from Dal'Negorsk, only larger than the typical specimen from that locality.

This is a fairly large, damage free example with good color.

TL08 Manganocalcite

Neimeng, Chifeng Area, Inner Mongolia, China

11.8 x 5.8x 2.7 cm

$345

They are very remeniscent of the manganocalcite fans from Dal'Negorsk, only much much larger than the typical specimen from that locality.

This is a fairly large, damage free example with good color.

IMCN13 Manganocalcite

Neimeng, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, China

9.0x 5.5x 5.4 cm

$450

A very large fan shaped cluster of pink manganocalcite from a new find. This piece is particularly beautiful and delicate in appearance, as it is composed of three sepearate sprays, two have their bases pointing downwards, and the central spray is oriented 90 degrees relative to the two at the ends.

A limited number of specimens from this find were first debuted by a couple Chinese dealers at Tucson 2011, and by the end of the show all of them had been sold. There have since been more found in limited numbers, this is one of those pieces.

They are very remeniscent of the manganocalcite fans from Dal'Negorsk, only much much larger than the typical specimen from that locality.

This is a fairly large, damage free example with good color.

IMCN14 Manganocalcite

Neimeng, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, China

9.4x 5.3x 3.6 cm

$290

Another manganocalcite fan, this one has a bit of matrix. The color is not quite as pink as the others; I have had two pieces with bits of matrix and in both cases, the color has not been as deep as the pieces without. I do not know why this is-- it does not have to do with light passing through the piece. In any case, its something different compared to the others.

IMCN15 Magnetite (Dodecahedral!)

Neimeng, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, China

20.8x 13.7x 5.2 cm

$870

A large cabinet cluster of DODECAHEDRAL magentite crystals.

This form is highly unusual in magnetite, except (I am told) in skarn deposits. Everywhere else, they are usually octahedral—think back to the Bolivian pieces, or the loose brazilian octahedrons.

I have seen a few of these now, but none of the crystals have been nearly as large, and they have always been tightly clustered masses closely resembling the andradites from the same locality, except with a more metallic appearance and (usually) striated faces. The two minerals have tended to look so similar in fact, that I saw a couple magnetites being offered as garnets.

IMCN16 Quartz, Hematite, Manganocalcite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
16.0x 12.0x 9.4 cm

$375

A cabinet specimen consisting of a cluster of quartz crystals with lightly etched surfaces, interspersed with numerous hematite "iron roses" and beautiful pink manganocalcite rosettes. Please note that there is some damage to this piece, in particular there are some broken crystals on the back left portion of the specimen.

IMCN17 Datolite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
14.8x 9.2x 4.6 cm

About a month ago I heard that Huanggang had also produced some datolites, but I hadn't actually seen any. As luck would have it, I was able to get 4 pieces in time for this update. This is the largest from the group, and it is certainly quite large and rich by the standards of datolite from any locality. Granted, the best pieces from Dal'Negorsk have bigger crystals.... but for Huanggang this is the best piece I have seen, and even at Dal'Negorsk this quality is not exactly common.

I particularly like the color of these-- usually datolite is somewhat light in color, and as the crystals are usually smaller, they tend to get lost on their matrixes. That is especially true at Dal'Negorsk, where the matrix is usually quartz.

This piece is a nice yellow green, and is entirely coated with sharp datolite crystals.... so it doesn't have those problems.

IMCN18 Datolite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
7.6x 4.2x 3.1 cm

$395

About a month ago I heard that Huanggang had also produced some datolites, but I hadn't actually seen any. As luck would have it, I was able to get 4 pieces in time for this update.

This piece is a nice small cabinet, composed almost entirely of datolite. There are numerous terminated crystals, all a pleasing yellow-green color.

This piece is a nice yellow green, and is entirely coated with sharp datolite crystals.... so it doesn't have those problems.

IMCN19 Datolite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
7.3x 6.0x 6.1 cm

$465

About a month ago I heard that Huanggang had also produced some datolites, but I hadn't actually seen any. As luck would have it, I was able to get 4 pieces in time for this update.

This piece is a nice small cabinet, composed almost entirely of datolite. There are numerous terminated crystals, all a pleasing yellow-green color.

This piece is a nice yellow green, and is entirely coated with sharp datolite crystals.... so it doesn't have those problems.

IMCN20 Datolite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
3.4x 3.2x 1.7 cm

$165

About a month ago I heard that Huanggang had also produced some datolites, but I hadn't actually seen any. As luck would have it, I was able to get 4 pieces in time for this update.

This piece is a nice minitaure, composed almost entirely of datolite. There are numerous terminated crystals, all a pleasing yellow-green color.

This piece is a nice yellow green, and is entirely coated with sharp datolite crystals.... so it doesn't have those problems.

IMCN21 Fluorite on Quartz

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
12.9x 7.5x 6.3 cm

$785

Another novelty from Huanggang, Dal'Negorsk style colorless fluorite on quartz. I was shown a few of these, this was my favorite form the group-- the overall form with octahedral fluorites perched on a quartz crystal is quite attractive.

More than that, it is a fairly sizable piece that will show well in a display cabinet.

IMCN22 Fluorite on Quartz

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
11.6x 6.2x 6.7 cm

$480

At Tucson 2011, a single dealer had a small quantity of these very unusual fluorites. I have since been able to track down a few more from multiple different sources. These are really unusual, in that the fluorite crystals (on all but one specimen) tend to form ball-shaped aggregates composted of numerous small octahedral crystals. The color of the individual crystals ranges from a bluish green in most, to a purple in others.

These fluorites are really quite unique, in terms of color as well as habit. The habit of the quartz in the matrixes also gives the specimens an appearance unlike fluorites from anywhere else.

IMCN23 Fluorite on Quartz

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
10.3x 6.7x 6.2 cm

$400

These fluorites are really quite unique, in terms of color as well as habit. The habit of the quartz in the matrixes also gives the specimens an appearance unlike fluorites from anywhere else.

IMCN24 Fluorite on Quartz

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
9.6x 8.1x 4.0 cm

$330

These fluorites are really quite unique, in terms of color as well as habit. The habit of the quartz in the matrixes also gives the specimens an appearance unlike fluorites from anywhere else.

IMCN25 Fluorite on Quartz

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
10.4x 6.8x 6.0 cm

$285

At Tucson 2011, a single dealer had a small quantity of these very unusual fluorites. I have since been able to track down a few more from multiple different sources.

This is the only piece I have seen where the fluorite has not formed into ball-like aggregates. Instead, numerous small octahedrons are scattered on a cluster of white quartz crystals.

These fluorites are really quite unique, in terms of color as well as habit. The habit of the quartz in the matrixes also gives the specimens an appearance unlike fluorites from anywhere else.

IMCN26 Fluorite on Quartz

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
4.8x 3.6x 2.7 cm

$165

These fluorites are really quite unique, in terms of color as well as habit. The habit of the quartz in the matrixes also gives the specimens an appearance unlike fluorites from anywhere else.

RESERVED

IMCN27 Fluorite on Quartz

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
4.0x 3.0x 1.4 cm

$145

These fluorites are really quite unique, in terms of color as well as habit. The habit of the quartz in the matrixes also gives the specimens an appearance unlike fluorites from anywhere else.

IMCN28 Fluorite on Quartz

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
6.4x 3.7x 4.2 cm

$145

These fluorites are really quite unique, in terms of color as well as habit. The habit of the quartz in the matrixes also gives the specimens an appearance unlike fluorites from anywhere else.

IMCN29 Fluorite on Quartz

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
7.4x 6.9x 3.4 cm

$185

These fluorites are really quite unique, in terms of color as well as habit. The habit of the quartz in the matrixes also gives the specimens an appearance unlike fluorites from anywhere else.

IMCN30 Aquamarine

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
5.8x 5.0x 3.3 cm

One of the most interesting new things to come from this mine has been a very small quantity of aquamarine crystals.

Usually, when I think of places where aquamarine occurs, I think of pegmatites-- not an iron mine situated in a skarn body.

This is one of only 3 clusters that I have seen for sale in decent condition. For what I understand there was one decently sized pocket of this material some months back-- and most of the pieces were pretty bad. As I said above, I have only seen 3 clusters in good condition that could be called "aesthetic."

These look a lot like some of the aquamarines from Erongo.

The main crystal is double terminated.

IMCN31 Aquamarine

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
4.9x 1.5x 1.0 cm

$235

One of the most interesting new things to come from this mine has been a very small quantity of aquamarine crystals.

Usually, when I think of places where aquamarine occurs, I think of pegmatites-- not an iron mine situated in a skarn body.

For what I understand there was one decently sized pocket of this material some months back-- and most of the pieces were pretty bad.

This is a fairly hefty crystal by the standards of the few I have seen, and it is double terminated.

These look a lot like some of the aquamarines from Erongo.

IMCN32 Aquamarine

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
7.5x 1.4x 1.2 cm

$295

One of the most interesting new things to come from this mine has been a very small quantity of aquamarine crystals.

Usually, when I think of places where aquamarine occurs, I think of pegmatites-- not an iron mine situated in a skarn body.

For what I understand there was one decently sized pocket of this material some months back-- and most of the pieces were pretty bad.

This is the largest single crystal I have seen, and it is double terminated.

These look a lot like some of the aquamarines from Erongo.

IMCN33 Aquamarine

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
6.7x 0.7x 0.65 cm

$165

One of the most interesting new things to come from this mine has been a very small quantity of aquamarine crystals.

Usually, when I think of places where aquamarine occurs, I think of pegmatites-- not an iron mine situated in a skarn body.

For what I understand there was one decently sized pocket of this material some months back-- and most of the pieces were pretty bad.

The crystal is double terminated.

These look a lot like some of the aquamarines from Erongo.

IMCN34 Aquamarine

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
4.4x 1.0x 0.85 cm

$165

One of the most interesting new things to come from this mine has been a very small quantity of aquamarine crystals.

Usually, when I think of places where aquamarine occurs, I think of pegmatites-- not an iron mine situated in a skarn body.

For what I understand there was one decently sized pocket of this material some months back-- and most of the pieces were pretty bad.

The crystal is double terminated.

These look a lot like some of the aquamarines from Erongo.

IMCN35 Aquamarine

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
5.8x 0.8x 0.8 cm

$165

One of the most interesting new things to come from this mine has been a very small quantity of aquamarine crystals.

Usually, when I think of places where aquamarine occurs, I think of pegmatites-- not an iron mine situated in a skarn body.

For what I understand there was one decently sized pocket of this material some months back-- and most of the pieces were pretty bad.

The crystal is double terminated.

These look a lot like some of the aquamarines from Erongo.

IMCN36 Aquamarine

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
4.5x 0.8x 0.7 cm

$165

One of the most interesting new things to come from this mine has been a very small quantity of aquamarine crystals.

Usually, when I think of places where aquamarine occurs, I think of pegmatites-- not an iron mine situated in a skarn body.

For what I understand there was one decently sized pocket of this material some months back-- and most of the pieces were pretty bad.

The crystal is double terminated.

These look a lot like some of the aquamarines from Erongo.

IMCN37 Aquamarine

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
4.0x 1.0x 0.9 cm

$165

One of the most interesting new things to come from this mine has been a very small quantity of aquamarine crystals.

Usually, when I think of places where aquamarine occurs, I think of pegmatites-- not an iron mine situated in a skarn body.

For what I understand there was one decently sized pocket of this material some months back-- and most of the pieces were pretty bad.

The crystal is double terminated.

These look a lot like some of the aquamarines from Erongo.

IMCN38 Aquamarine

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
3.6x 1.0x 0.75 cm

$155

One of the most interesting new things to come from this mine has been a very small quantity of aquamarine crystals.

Usually, when I think of places where aquamarine occurs, I think of pegmatites-- not an iron mine situated in a skarn body.

For what I understand there was one decently sized pocket of this material some months back-- and most of the pieces were pretty bad.

The crystal is double terminated.

These look a lot like some of the aquamarines from Erongo.

IMCN39 Aquamarine

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
4.0x 0.6x 0.5 cm

$135

One of the most interesting new things to come from this mine has been a very small quantity of aquamarine crystals.

Usually, when I think of places where aquamarine occurs, I think of pegmatites-- not an iron mine situated in a skarn body.

For what I understand there was one decently sized pocket of this material some months back-- and most of the pieces were pretty bad.

The crystal is double terminated.

These look a lot like some of the aquamarines from Erongo.

IMCN40 Aquamarine

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
3.8x 1.9x 1.4 cm

$78

One of the most interesting new things to come from this mine has been a very small quantity of aquamarine crystals.

Usually, when I think of places where aquamarine occurs, I think of pegmatites-- not an iron mine situated in a skarn body.

For what I understand there was one decently sized pocket of this material some months back-- and most of the pieces were pretty bad.

The crystal is singly terminated, the slanted face is not a fracture but is actually heavily etched. This isn't the greatest piece, but it is a decent reference specimen.

IMCN41 Quartz incl. Hedenbergite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
9.2x 4.5x 3.3 cm

$185

An icy cluster of quartz crystals colored green by minute hedenbergite inclusions. These are almost reminiscent of the "prase" quartz from Serifos, Greece or Dal'Negorsk.

What i find most appealing about these crystals however, is the combination of texture and color and shape. While "prase" quartz from everywhere else tents to be tappered, this one is perfectly staight. I also liked the fact that there was a large central crystal surrounded by smaller ones, somehow that gives it a more dramatic appearance. The surfaces also have an almost wet appearance.

IMCN42 Quartz

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
8.7x 4.7x 4.5 cm

$175

A spray of several quartz spires, each seeming to consist of numerous stacked beta quartz-like crystals.

IMCN43 Quartz with Arsenopyrite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
6.4x 3.5x 2.8 cm

$135

A beautiful specimen consisting of a terminated quartz crystal with a few lustrous, silvery arsenopyrite crystals perched near its base.

IMCN44 Quartz with Arsenopyrite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
6.4x 3.4x 2.4 cm

$125

A beautiful specimen consisting of a terminated quartz crystal with a few lustrous, silvery arsenopyrite crystals perched near its base.

IMCN45 Hedenbergite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
9.0x 4.0x 3.2 cm

$185

At most localities where it is found, hedenbergite is just an accessory. At Serifos, Greece and Dal’Negorsk, Russia, where the vast majority of available hedenbergite comes from, it is usually a poorly crystallized mass or coating/ inclusion accompanying another mineral.

At Huanggang that has generally been the case as well, however there have been some very large crystals found. This is one of those, and it is surprisingly elongated and well formed.

There have also been crystals up to about 20 cm found here, though those tend to be more fibrous (large sprays of multiple crystals) rather than single crystals. The best single crystals with clear termiantions, edges and lustrous faces have been about this size.

Don’t get me wrong, large Hedenbergites are not unheard of. They turn up once in a while form the various skarn deposits—I’ve seen a couple from Dal’Negorsk and Italy, but in this quality they are certainly not common.

IMCN46 Hedenbergite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
6.6x 3.4x 2.3 cm

$165

At Huanggang that has generally been the case as well, however there have been some very large crystals found. This is one of those, and it is surprisingly elongated and well formed.

IMCN47 Hedenbergite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
7.9x 4.2x 1.9 cm

$140

At Huanggang that has generally been the case as well, however there have been some very large crystals found. This is one of those, and it is surprisingly elongated and well formed.

This piece is one of the larger ones, though its surfaces are more weathered so the price is lower.

IMCN48 Arsenopyrite on Hedenbergite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
5.2x 4.2x 2.5 cm

$165

An excellent miniature specimen, consisting of several silvery arsenopyrite crystals and clusters on a hedenbergite spray. The color of the arsenopyrite and the hedenbergite contrasts nicely, making for a rather beautiful specimen.

Over the last 10 years, China has produced some of the world’s best arsenopyrite, first through the finds at Yaogangxian, and not through the new material from Huanggang. While this is oviously not the largest piece, it stood out as it was not just a large mass of arsenopyrite crystals. Impressive as those are, there is something to be said for the pieces where the crystals are more distinct, and again, the color combination is nice.

I cannot recall seeing arsenopyrite/hedenbergite combinations like this from any other locality.

IMCN49 Apophyllite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
2.6x 2.1x 1.6 cm

$65

No, I didn't make a mistake and post an Indian specimen.... Like the aquamarines, this is another seemingly out of place occurrence.

China has actually produced a fair bit of apophyllite, most notably as tabular crystals at Fengjiashan (inesite locality) but usually the crystals are too small to be appreciated, and more often than not turn out to be an unremovable nuisance that coats something more significant....

Here's a nice example from a different location, with a different habit than what is generally found in China. On the whole, (and although small) it's actually a pretty good Chinese apophyllite.

IMCN50 Arsenopyrite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
9.2x 7.2x 5.4 cm

$335

An excellent cluster of silvery arsenopyrite from recent finds at the Hunggang Iron Mine. I particularly like the fanned-out shape of the arsenopyrites coming from this locality.

Over the last 10 years, China has produced some of the world’s best arsenopyrite, first through the finds at Yaogangxian, and not through the new material from Huanggang. I would have to say however, that the average piece from Huanggang is considerably better than from Yaogangxian, and this is probably some of the best arsenopyrite to come from anywhere in decades.

IMCN51 Arsenopyrite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
8.3x 5.6x 4.0 cm

$290

An excellent cluster of silvery arsenopyrite on hedenbergite from recent finds at the Hunggang Iron Mine.

IMCN52 Ilvaite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
5.3x 4.1x 2.8 cm

$200

Ilvaites were the first thing to hit the market from Huanggang. At first they were large single crystals averging about 5-6 cm, but by Tucson 2011 there were 15 cm clusters of multiple crystals, and some individual crystals reaching over a foot in length.

Of course, all of that was in the 5-figure range, and the pieces I am posting here are (considerably) more modest.

I didn’t buy any in Tucson, or in Denver, simply because the prices were stupid and in most cases higher than what I have posted here. I know for a fact that the ilvaites in particular were not being sold expensively in China, yet by the time they reached Tucson it was almost impossible to get even a decent-yet-unremarkable single crystal for less than $200. If a specimen had a “branch” and consisted of more than a single crystal, or if there was any matrix, the price would go up to $350 minimum.

With all that said, I think the prices here are quite reasonable, and probably less than you would pay at a show for similar pieces. I have tried to get examples with bits of matrix or with secondary crystals.

IMCN53 Ilvaite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
6.2x 4.7x 3.6 cm

$135

This piece is not perfect, but it's a farily large ilvaite and about as close to a cluster as you are going to get without paying $900+. The last image is of the back, but as you can see it displays decently from the front... plus it's cheap.

IMCN54 Ilvaite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
5.1x 4.1x 1.3 cm

$155

A nice miniature specimen of ilvaite with a secondary crystal attached.

Of course, all of that was in the 5-figure range, and the pieces I am posting here are (considerably) more modest.

IMCN55 Ilvaite with Quartz

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
4.5x 2.0x 1.6 cm

$145

A nice little miniature with a terminated ilvaite crystal perched at the base of a terminated quartz spire. On their own, neither crystal would be particularly remarkable, but together and arranged in the way that they are, they give a delicate and beautiful appearance.

IMCN56 Ilvaite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
5.6x 3.5x 3.9 cm

$160

A single ilvaite crystal on a bit of matrix.

Of course, all of that was in the 5-figure range, and the pieces I am posting here are (considerably) more modest.

IMCN57 Ilvaite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
6.3x 3.5x 1.5 cm

$165

A single ilvaite crystal on a bit of matrix.

Of course, all of that was in the 5-figure range, and the pieces I am posting here are (considerably) more modest.

IMCN58 Ilvaite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
5.6x 5.1x 2.4 cm

$165

A pair of ilvaite crystals on a bit of matrix.

Of course, all of that was in the 5-figure range, and the pieces I am posting here are (considerably) more modest.

IMCN59 Ilvaite with Arsenopyrite, Hedenbergite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
8.6x 6.1x 6.0 cm

$250

This is one of the interesting new things found shortly before the Denver show. They are round clusters of ilvaite crystals, coated with powdery hedenbergite. Some of these have minor arsenopyrite.

The hedenbergite coating precludes them from being called “beautiful,” but there is something undeniably cool about the rounded shape of the clusters and the way that all the crystals radiate out from a central point, which I cannot say I have seen in ilvaite from any other locality.

IMCN60 Ilvaite with Arsenopyrite, Hedenbergite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
8.6x 6.2x 4.6 cm

$245

This is one of the interesting new things found shortly before the Denver show. They are round clusters of ilvaite crystals, coated with powdery hedenbergite. Some of these have minor arsenopyrite.

I particularly liked this piece because the ilvaite cluster is perched on the end of a hedenbergite spray-- you can see this best in the photograph where I am holding it. Somthing about that gives it an almost plant-like appearance.

IMCN61 Ilvaite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
8.5x 7.6x 6.2 cm

$265

This is one of the interesting new things found shortly before the Denver show. They are round clusters of ilvaite crystals, coated with powdery hedenbergite. Some of these have minor arsenopyrite.

IMCN62 Ilvaite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
8.8x 6.3x 5.1 cm

$185

This is one of the interesting new things found shortly before the Denver show. They are round clusters of ilvaite crystals, coated with powdery hedenbergite. Some of these have minor arsenopyrite.

On this piece, the ilvaite cluster is situated on a hedenbergite matrix, and there are two rounded arsenopyrite aggregates that have ggrown on top.

IMCN63 Andradite Garnet

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
17.1x 11.8x 6.8 cm

$600

A 17 cm plate of brownish andradite garnets from Hunaggang. I first saw these at Tucson 2010, but the prices were kind of high, so I didn’t buy any then. Along with the ilvaites and manganocalcites, these were some of the first specimens to hit the market.

They look a lot like the pieces from Stanley Butte, AZ, Mendoza Argentina, El Mochito Honduras, or any of the other places that have produced large plates of andradite.

It is interesting to note however, the differences in color from specimen to specimen-- on some pieces, the individual crystals seem to be composed of multiple layers, giving rise to very interesting coloration.

IMCN64 Andradite Garnet

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
9.6x 8.0x 3.2 cm

$220

A plate of greenish brown andradite garnets from Hunaggang. I first saw these at Tucson 2010, but the prices were kind of high, so I didn’t buy any then. Along with the ilvaites and manganocalcites, these were some of the first specimens to hit the market.

They look a lot like the pieces from Stanley Butte, AZ, Mendoza Argentina, El Mochito Honduras, or any of the other places that have produced large plates of andradite.

IMCN65 Andradite Garnet

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
7.5x 4.7x 3.7 cm

$165

A cluster of brownish green andradite garnets from Hunaggang. This piece has exceptionally good luster, and an almost waxy appearance.

I first saw these at Tucson 2010, but the prices were kind of high, so I didn’t buy any then. Along with the ilvaites and manganocalcites, these were some of the first specimens to hit the market.

They look a lot like the pieces from Stanley Butte, AZ, Mendoza Argentina, El Mochito Honduras, or any of the other places that have produced large plates of andradite.

IMCN66 Andradite Garnet

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
5.0x 4.5x 2.5 cm

$90

A cluster of brownish andradite garnets from Hunaggang. I first saw these at Tucson 2010, but the prices were kind of high, so I didn’t buy any then. Along with the ilvaites and manganocalcites, these were some of the first specimens to hit the market.

They look a lot like the pieces from Stanley Butte, AZ, Mendoza Argentina, El Mochito Honduras, or any of the other places that have produced large plates of andradite.

RESERVED

IMCN67 Andradite Garnet

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
5.0x 2.6x 3.6 cm

$150

Here's a piece that's a little different. It consists of a reddish-brown, ball shaped aggregate of garnet crystals perched on a cluster of quartz. Please note that the back half of the garnet (and the specimen) is contacted (see side-view image), but it displays perfectly form the front.

I first saw these at Tucson 2010, but the prices were kind of high, so I didn’t buy any then. Along with the ilvaites and manganocalcites, these were some of the first specimens to hit the market.

They look a lot like the pieces from Stanley Butte, AZ, Mendoza Argentina, El Mochito Honduras, or any of the other places that have produced large plates of andradite.

IMCN68 Andradite Garnet

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
7.6x 5.8x 5.1 cm

$160

A cluster of very large, greenish andradite garnets from Hunaggang. I first saw these at Tucson 2010, but the prices were kind of high, so I didn’t buy any then. Along with the ilvaites and manganocalcites, these were some of the first specimens to hit the market.

They look a lot like the pieces from Stanley Butte, AZ, Mendoza Argentina, El Mochito Honduras, or any of the other places that have produced large plates of andradite.

This is the case with this piece-- I normally don't post images of contact points, but of you look at the lower right image you will see the concentric bands of differently colored garnet generations. A very interesting piece.

IMCN69 Andradite Garnet

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
5.1x 3.9x 3.3 cm

$75

A miniature specimen of greenish-black andradite garnets from Hunaggang. I first saw these at Tucson 2010, but the prices were kind of high, so I didn’t buy any then. Along with the ilvaites and manganocalcites, these were some of the first specimens to hit the market.

They look a lot like the pieces from Stanley Butte, AZ, Mendoza Argentina, El Mochito Honduras, or any of the other places that have produced large plates of andradite.

IMCN70 Andradite Garnet

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
5.2x 4.4x 3.0 cm

$75

A miniature specimen of greenish andradite garnets from Hunaggang. I first saw these at Tucson 2010, but the prices were kind of high, so I didn’t buy any then. Along with the ilvaites and manganocalcites, these were some of the first specimens to hit the market.

They look a lot like the pieces from Stanley Butte, AZ, Mendoza Argentina, El Mochito Honduras, or any of the other places that have produced large plates of andradite.