Chibaite is a rare variety of quartz characterized by the inclusion of natural gas, specifically methane, within its crystal structure. It is typically found in gas-bearing sedimentary formations where it displays a distinct trapezohedral crystal habit. Collectors prize this mineral for its unique formation history and its specific locality occurrence in Japan.
Is this chibaite?
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 chibaite with a known reference. Chibaite sits at Mohs 7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chibaite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Chibaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: trapezohedral crystals.
Often confused with
Chibaite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside chibaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with chibaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- SiO₂
- Mohs hardness
- 7
- Density
- 2.65 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Trapezohedral Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Gas-bearing Sedimentary Rock
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on crystal size and quality
Where rockhounds find chibaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Chiba Prefecture, Japan
Field-hunting tip
Look in gas-bearing sedimentary rock country, the host setting where chibaite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, pyrite, methane clathrate in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a trapezohedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find chibaite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
