Xianghualing Sn-polymetallic ore field

The Xianghualing Sn-polymetallic ore field is nestled in Linwu County, part of Chenzhou City in southern Hunan Province, China. Chenzhou sits at the junction of Hunan, Guangdong, and Jiangxi provinces, making it a strategic area for mineral exploration. Nearby, the Yaogangxian Mine and Huangni'ao Mine add to the region's mineral richness.

This ore field is a treasure trove for mineral enthusiasts, boasting tin (cassiterite), lead (galena), zinc (sphalerite), and fluorite. What’s particularly exciting is hsianghualite, a rare calcium lithium beryllium silicate found in only two places worldwide, making it a must-see for collectors. It also contains indium, often found in zinc ores, adding to its allure.

The ore field’s geology is a fascinating story of granite stocks intruding into Cambrian sandstone and Devonian carbonates along NE- and NW-trending faults. These highly differentiated A-type peraluminous granites led to skarn formation, with the main tin mineralization occurring during the Jurassic period, a process spanning multiple stages.

While specific historical details are scarce, the ore field has produced significant amounts, with estimates of 134,000 tons of tin metal and 178,000 tons of lead-zinc metal, underscoring its importance in China’s mineral industry.

Linwu County is famous for its culinary delights, like Anren Dou pepper and Linwu duck, reflecting a rich local culture. The area enjoys a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons: rainy springs, hot humid summers, dry comfortable autumns, and brief winters with occasional cold snaps.