Maoniuping REE Mine
The Maoniuping Mine (牦牛坪稀土矿) in Mianning, Sichuan, is one of China's largest rare-earth deposits and a world-class source of honey-coloured bastnäsite crystals and lustrous black aegirine.
About Maoniuping REE Mineextended article
A world-class rare-earth specimen locality
Maoniuping, near Mianning in southern Sichuan, is one of the largest rare-earth-element deposits in China — a carbonatite–alkalic system mined primarily for light rare earths. Beyond its economic importance, it is one of the best localities in the world for crystallised REE and alkaline minerals.
What Maoniuping is known for
- Bastnäsite — tabular honey-brown to amber crystals among the world's finest
- Aegirine — lustrous black crystal sprays
- Fluorite, barite, and microcline
- Arfvedsonite and quartz
Collector value
Sharp tabular bastnäsite — especially gemmy, well-terminated crystals on contrasting microcline or fluorite — is highly prized, as are bold aegirine sprays. Crystal size, lustre, and matrix composition drive value.