牦牛坪稀土矿
Sichuan, China
四川冕宁的牦牛坪稀土矿是中国最大的稀土矿床之一,也是世界级的蜜色氟碳铈矿晶体与亮黑色霓石产地。
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.