In northeastern Yunnan, the Xuanwei Formation is predominantly composed of sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone, interbedded with coal seams within iron-rich mudstone (up to 274 m). In western Guizhou, the Xuanwei Formation is characterized by gray-yellow and dark gray shales interlayered with sandstone (maximum thickness up to 347 m). Notably, the REE-Nb polymetallic layers occurs within the purplish-red Fe claystone and gray Al claystone at the bottom of Xuanwei Formation, with a variable thickness of 5–16 m. The ore-bearing strata of study area display relatively high concentrations of REE, Nb, Ga and Zr. The average contents of REE are 600 ppm (maximum up to 2684 ppm); the average Nb of 95.1 ppm (maximum up to 864 ppm); the average Ga of 49.1 ppm (maximum up to 140 ppm); the average Zr of 656 ppm (maximum up to 5798 ppm).

(1) The depositional center hosting the thickest ore beds (up to 10 m cumulative thickness) and the most numerous ore beds (up to 6 layers) is located in the Yanjin-Yiliang-Zhenxiong areas of northeastern Yunnan. Eastward towards Tongzi and southward towards Fuyuan, the cumulative thickness, ore bed count, individual layer thickness, and grain size decrease significantly.
(2) The ore-forming materials of the deposit were derived from air-fall volcanic ashes erupted in the Panxi region, and the primary magmatic rocks of the volcanic ashes were predominantly Nb-Ta-mineralized syenites. The ore beds underwent intense low-temperature hydrothermal alteration. Hydrodynamic conditions and tectonics were critical factors influencing the preservation of volcanic ashes. Plants may also play a role in volcanic ash preservation and enriching critical metals within the ore beds.
(3) The deposits cover an extensive area of approximately 113,800 km2, with estimated total resources amounting to 3.55 × 108 t of Nb, 2.32 × 109 t of Zr, 1.18 × 109 t of REY, and 5.90 × 107 t of Ga. This represents a world-class Nb-Zr-REY-Ga deposit with tremendous economic value.

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Standard Detailed Gallery Strunz Chemical Elements

Commodity List

This is a list of exploitable or exploited mineral commodities recorded at this locality.

Mineral List

15 valid minerals.

Rock Types Recorded

Select Rock List Type

Alphabetical List Tree Diagram

Detailed Mineral List:

ⓘ Albite

Formula: Na(AlSi₃O₈)

References:

Ying, Yuan-Can; Yu, Hai-Jun; Li, Wen-Chang; Li, De-Zong; Wang, Dong-Hui; Wang, Fang-Yue; Chen, Wei; Jiang, Shao-Yong (2025) The heterogeneous distribution of REE-Nb in the claystone at the bottom of Xuanwei Formation, southwestern China: Insights from LA-ICP-MS mapping. Ore Geology Reviews, 186. 106921 doi:10.1016/j.oregeorev.2025.106921

ⓘ Anatase

Formula: TiO₂

References:

Bian, Xiao; Lu, Jing; Bao, Liguo; Yang, Minfang; Wu, Guodong; Li, Jian; Song, Xiaolin; Yin, Lusheng; Zu, Yuwen; Shao, Longyi; et al. (2026) Super-large-scale critical metal mineralization triggered by Emeishan Large Igneous Province waning stage eruptions: Evidence from ore beds spatial distribution and geochemical characteristics. Ore Geology Reviews, 193. 107262 doi:10.1016/j.oregeorev.2026.107262

ⓘ 'Apatite'

Formula: Ca₅(PO₄)₃(Cl/F/OH)

References:

ⓘ Chalcocite

Formula: Cu₂S

References:

ⓘ Chalcopyrite

Formula: CuFeS₂

References:

ⓘ Chamosite

Formula: Fe²⁺₅Al(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₈

References:

ⓘ 'Chlorite Group'

References:

ⓘ Goyazite

Formula: SrAl₃(PO₄)(PO₃OH)(OH)₆

References:

ⓘ Hematite

Formula: Fe₂O₃

References:

ⓘ Ilmenite

Formula: Fe²⁺TiO₃

References:

ⓘ Kaolinite

Formula: Al₂(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄

References:

ⓘ 'Monazite Group'

Formula: REE(PO₄)

References:

ⓘ Muscovite

Formula: KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂

References:

ⓘ Muscovite var. Illite

Formula: K_0.65Al_2.0[Al_0.65Si_3.35O₁₀](OH)₂

References:

ⓘ Pyrite

Formula: FeS₂

References:

ⓘ Quartz

Formula: SiO₂

References:

ⓘ 'Rhabdophane'

References:

ⓘ Rutile

Formula: TiO₂

References:

ⓘ 'Smectite Group'

Formula: A_0.3D_2-3[T₄O₁₀]Z₂ · nH₂O

References:

ⓘ Sphalerite

Formula: ZnS

References:

ⓘ Zircon

Formula: Zr(SiO₄)

References:

Gallery:

List of minerals arranged by Strunz 10th Edition classification

Group 2 - Sulphides and Sulfosalts
ⓘ	Chalcocite	2.BA.05	Cu₂S
ⓘ	Sphalerite	2.CB.05a	ZnS
ⓘ	Chalcopyrite	2.CB.10a	CuFeS₂
ⓘ	Pyrite	2.EB.05a	FeS₂
Group 4 - Oxides and Hydroxides
ⓘ	Hematite	4.CB.05	Fe₂O₃
ⓘ	Ilmenite	4.CB.05	Fe²⁺TiO₃
ⓘ	Quartz	4.DA.05	SiO₂
ⓘ	Rutile	4.DB.05	TiO₂
ⓘ	Anatase	4.DD.05	TiO₂
Group 8 - Phosphates, Arsenates and Vanadates
ⓘ	Goyazite	8.BL.10	SrAl₃(PO₄)(PO₃OH)(OH)₆
Group 9 - Silicates
ⓘ	Zircon	9.AD.30	Zr(SiO₄)
ⓘ	Muscovite var. Illite	9.EC.15	K_0.65Al_2.0[Al_0.65Si_3.35O₁₀](OH)₂
ⓘ		9.EC.15	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
ⓘ	Chamosite	9.EC.55	Fe²⁺₅Al(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₈
ⓘ	Kaolinite	9.ED.05	Al₂(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄
ⓘ	Albite	9.FA.35	Na(AlSi₃O₈)
Unclassified
ⓘ	'Chlorite Group'	-
ⓘ	'Monazite Group'	-	REE(PO₄)
ⓘ	'Rhabdophane'	-
ⓘ	'Smectite Group'	-	A_0.3D_2-3[T₄O₁₀]Z₂ · nH₂O
ⓘ	'Apatite'	-	Ca₅(PO₄)₃(Cl/F/OH)

List of minerals for each chemical element

H	Hydrogen
H	ⓘ Chamosite	Fe₅²⁺Al(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₈
H	ⓘ Goyazite	SrAl₃(PO₄)(PO₃OH)(OH)₆
H	ⓘ Muscovite var. Illite	K_0.65Al_2.0[Al_0.65Si_3.35O₁₀](OH)₂
H	ⓘ Kaolinite	Al₂(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄
H	ⓘ Muscovite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
H	ⓘ Smectite Group	A_0.3D_2-3[T₄O₁₀]Z₂ · nH₂O
H	ⓘ Apatite	Ca₅(PO₄)₃(Cl/F/OH)
O	Oxygen
O	ⓘ Albite	Na(AlSi₃O₈)
O	ⓘ Anatase	TiO₂
O	ⓘ Chamosite	Fe₅²⁺Al(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₈
O	ⓘ Goyazite	SrAl₃(PO₄)(PO₃OH)(OH)₆
O	ⓘ Hematite	Fe₂O₃
O	ⓘ Muscovite var. Illite	K_0.65Al_2.0[Al_0.65Si_3.35O₁₀](OH)₂
O	ⓘ Ilmenite	Fe²⁺TiO₃
O	ⓘ Kaolinite	Al₂(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄
O	ⓘ Monazite Group	REE(PO₄)
O	ⓘ Muscovite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
O	ⓘ Quartz	SiO₂
O	ⓘ Rutile	TiO₂
O	ⓘ Zircon	Zr(SiO₄)
O	ⓘ Smectite Group	A_0.3D_2-3[T₄O₁₀]Z₂ · nH₂O
O	ⓘ Apatite	Ca₅(PO₄)₃(Cl/F/OH)
F	Fluorine
F	ⓘ Apatite	Ca₅(PO₄)₃(Cl/F/OH)
Na	Sodium
Na	ⓘ Albite	Na(AlSi₃O₈)
Al	Aluminium
Al	ⓘ Albite	Na(AlSi₃O₈)
Al	ⓘ Chamosite	Fe₅²⁺Al(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₈
Al	ⓘ Goyazite	SrAl₃(PO₄)(PO₃OH)(OH)₆
Al	ⓘ Muscovite var. Illite	K_0.65Al_2.0[Al_0.65Si_3.35O₁₀](OH)₂
Al	ⓘ Kaolinite	Al₂(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄
Al	ⓘ Muscovite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
Si	Silicon
Si	ⓘ Albite	Na(AlSi₃O₈)
Si	ⓘ Chamosite	Fe₅²⁺Al(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₈
Si	ⓘ Muscovite var. Illite	K_0.65Al_2.0[Al_0.65Si_3.35O₁₀](OH)₂
Si	ⓘ Kaolinite	Al₂(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄
Si	ⓘ Muscovite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
Si	ⓘ Quartz	SiO₂
Si	ⓘ Zircon	Zr(SiO₄)
P	Phosphorus
P	ⓘ Goyazite	SrAl₃(PO₄)(PO₃OH)(OH)₆
P	ⓘ Monazite Group	REE(PO₄)
P	ⓘ Apatite	Ca₅(PO₄)₃(Cl/F/OH)
S	Sulfur
S	ⓘ Chalcopyrite	CuFeS₂
S	ⓘ Chalcocite	Cu₂S
S	ⓘ Pyrite	FeS₂
S	ⓘ Sphalerite	ZnS
Cl	Chlorine
Cl	ⓘ Apatite	Ca₅(PO₄)₃(Cl/F/OH)
K	Potassium
K	ⓘ Muscovite var. Illite	K_0.65Al_2.0[Al_0.65Si_3.35O₁₀](OH)₂
K	ⓘ Muscovite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
Ca	Calcium
Ca	ⓘ Apatite	Ca₅(PO₄)₃(Cl/F/OH)
Ti	Titanium
Ti	ⓘ Anatase	TiO₂
Ti	ⓘ Ilmenite	Fe²⁺TiO₃
Ti	ⓘ Rutile	TiO₂
Fe	Iron
Fe	ⓘ Chalcopyrite	CuFeS₂
Fe	ⓘ Chamosite	Fe₅²⁺Al(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₈
Fe	ⓘ Hematite	Fe₂O₃
Fe	ⓘ Ilmenite	Fe²⁺TiO₃
Fe	ⓘ Pyrite	FeS₂
Cu	Copper
Cu	ⓘ Chalcopyrite	CuFeS₂
Cu	ⓘ Chalcocite	Cu₂S
Zn	Zinc
Zn	ⓘ Sphalerite	ZnS
Sr	Strontium
Sr	ⓘ Goyazite	SrAl₃(PO₄)(PO₃OH)(OH)₆
Zr	Zirconium
Zr	ⓘ Zircon	Zr(SiO₄)

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

AsiaContinent

Emeishan TrapsLarge Igneous Province

China

Sichuan-Yunnan-Guizhou metallogenic beltMineral Belt
⭔Southwest ChinaRegion

Eurasian PlateTectonic Plate

Western Yangtze CratonCraton

This page contains all mineral locality references listed on mindat.org. This does not claim to be a complete list. If you know of more minerals from this site, please register so you can add to our database. This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to visit any sites listed in mindat.org without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary.

References

[1]Ying, Yuan-Can; Yu, Hai-Jun; Li, Wen-Chang; Li, De-Zong; Wang, Dong-Hui; Wang, Fang-Yue; Chen, Wei; Jiang, Shao-Yong (2025) The heterogeneous distribution of REE-Nb in the claystone at the bottom of Xuanwei Formation, southwestern China: Insights from LA-ICP-MS mapping. Ore Geology Reviews, 186. 106921 doi:10.1016/j.oregeorev.2025.106921

[2]Bian, Xiao; Lu, Jing; Bao, Liguo; Yang, Minfang; Wu, Guodong; Li, Jian; Song, Xiaolin; Yin, Lusheng; Zu, Yuwen; Shao, Longyi; et al. (2026) Super-large-scale critical metal mineralization triggered by Emeishan Large Igneous Province waning stage eruptions: Evidence from ore beds spatial distribution and geochemical characteristics. Ore Geology Reviews, 193. 107262 doi:10.1016/j.oregeorev.2026.107262

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Xuanwei Formation, Yongshan County, Zhaotong, Yunnan, ChinaiRegional Level TypesXuanwei FormationFormation Yongshan CountyCounty ZhaotongPrefecture-level City YunnanProvince ChinaCountry function showexplain() { $("#locexplain").toggle(); if (typeof movemap === "function") movemap(); }

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Commodity List

Mineral List

Rock Types Recorded

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Detailed Mineral List:

Gallery:

List of minerals arranged by Strunz 10th Edition classification

List of minerals for each chemical element

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

References

Xuanwei Formation, Yongshan County, Zhaotong, Yunnan, China i
Regional Level Types
Xuanwei Formation Formation
Yongshan County County
Zhaotong Prefecture-level City
Yunnan Province
China Country