China discovers first independent germanate mineral

A joint research team from Chang'an University, the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry (CAS), and the Institute of Geochemistry (CAS) discovered, named, and officially submitted a new mineral – Wusiheite (IMA No. 2025 083a, abbreviation: Wsh). The approval was formally granted by the International Mineralogical Association's Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification in August 2026.

Wusiheite is China's first independently identified germanate mineral. It boasts an average germanium oxide (GeO2) content of up to 72%, second only to the mineral germanite. It also marks the third germanium rich mineral found in the same ore district, following the earlier discoveries of Ruizhongite and Wenqingite.

The finding not only pinpoints the key germanium hosting mineral in the Wusihe lead zinc deposit but also provides critical direct mineralogical evidence for understanding the evolution of germanium enriched hydrothermal fluids and the extraordinary enrichment mechanisms of the rare metal germanium.