History · Geology
About Xuebaoding Mine
The Xuebaoding (Snow Treasure Peak) deposit in northern Sichuan is the world's defining locality for gem-orange scheelite, pink beryl, and cassiterite on muscovite. Set high in the Min Mountains, the mine produces matrix specimens unrivaled in habit and color saturation.
Mining History
Mining for tungsten and tin at Xuebaoding accelerated in the late 20th century. Specimen-grade material reached the international market in the 1990s through provincial dealers. The site remains active under restricted access; pocket finds are seasonal.
Signature Specimens
Gem-orange scheelite tetragonal crystals (3-10 cm) on white muscovite-quartz, often with translucent cassiterite twins, pink to peach beryl prisms, and minor fluorite. Combination specimens are the Xuebaoding hallmark.
Minerals Produced Here
- Cassiterite (锡石)
- Scheelite (白钨矿)
- Topaz (黄玉)
