Chinese Mineral Stories & Guides

Long-form guides to China's classic mineral localities — Yaogangxian, Daye, Shangbao, Xuebaoding — and the world-class fluorite, calcite, scheelite, and pyrite specimens that come out of them.

Natural purple phantom fluorite cubic crystal cluster from Yaogangxian Mine, China

Yaogangxian Mine: The World's Premier Source of Collector-Grade Fluorite

April 16, 2026

Nestled in the mountains of Hunan Province in southern China, the Yaogangxian Mine (瑶岗仙矿) has earned a legendary reputation among mineral collectors worldwide. Since the deposit opened access to its fluorite veins, it has produced cabinet-grade specimens with an unmistakable purple-and-green color zoning.

Golden pyrite crystal with druzy surface, Daye Mine, Huangshi, Hubei

Top 10 Famous Mineral Localities Worldwide

April 16, 2026

Throughout history, certain mines and regions have become legendary among mineral collectors. These places produce crystals of exceptional beauty, size, or rarity. From Daye in Hubei to Tsumeb in Namibia, we count down the ten localities every collector should know.