Taikanite is a rare manganese strontium silicate mineral discovered in the manganese ore deposits of the Ohmi area in Japan. It typically occurs as small yellowish-greenish black tabular crystals associated with strontiopiemontite in metamorphic environments.
Is this taikanite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch taikanite with a known reference. Taikanite sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Taikanite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Taikanite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: greenish black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive.
Often found alongside taikanite
Minerals reported to co-occur with taikanite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Sr₂Mn₃Si₄O₁₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 4.72 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- 001, Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Manganese-rich Metamorphic Rocks
Where rockhounds find taikanite
Classic worldwide localities
- Irnimi manganese deposit, Taikan Mountains, Khabarovsk Territory, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in manganese-rich metamorphic rocks country, the host setting where taikanite typically forms. If you start seeing strontiopiemontite, quartz, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find taikanite on the map
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