History · Geology
About Erbutu Molybdenum Mine
The Erbutu (二八图) Mo-W deposit in central Inner Mongolia is one of China’s major modern porphyry molybdenum producers. It hosts large flat molybdenite books and well-formed pyrite-fluorite associations in late-stage hydrothermal pockets.
Geology
The deposit lies in the Yanshanian metallogenic belt, with mineralization tied to Late Jurassic granitoid intrusions. Greisen-altered roof zones produce the mineralogically interesting collector specimens.
Notable Minerals
Molybdenite (large hexagonal foils to 5-10 cm), pyrite (sharp cubes and pyritohedra), fluorite (purple cubes with white phantoms), quartz, calcite. Specimens compete with Climax (Colorado) and Henderson (Colorado) for international molybdenite quality.
Collector Notes
Erbutu specimens entered the Chinese collector market in the 2010s and quickly became staples for Mo collectors. Often paired with Henderson and Daheishan specimens in Mo-suite displays.
Minerals Produced Here
- Agate (玛瑙)
- Amethyst (紫水晶)
- Calcite (方解石)
- Chalcedony (玉髓)
- Citrine (黄水晶)
- Fluorite (萤石)
- Jasper (碧玉)
- Molybdenite (辉钼矿)
- Pyrite (黄铁矿)
- Quartz (石英 / 水晶)
- Rose Quartz (玫瑰石英)
