Iwateite is an extremely rare phosphate mineral belonging to the triplite-group. It is primarily identified in manganese-rich environments and is found as granular inclusions within specific metamorphic rock formations in Japan.
Hardness
6-6.5
Mohs
Streak
White
Transparency
Transparent
Is this iwateite?
4-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 iwateite with a known reference. Iwateite sits at Mohs 6-6.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 4Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: granular.
Often confused with
Iwateite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂BaMn(PO₄)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6-6.5
- Density
- 4.06 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Granular
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a Ba- and Sr-bearing manganese deposit
Where rockhounds find iwateite
Classic worldwide localities
- No. 3 (Matsumaezawa) deposit, Tanohata mine, Tanohata Village, Iwate Prefecture, Japan
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a Ba- and Sr-bearing manganese deposit. If you start seeing sérandite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify iwateite?+
Mohs hardness is 6-6.5. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless.
Where is iwateite found?+
Notable localities include No. 3 (Matsumaezawa) deposit, Tanohata mine, Tanohata Village, Iwate Prefecture, Japan.
What rocks look like iwateite?+
Iwateite is most often confused with Triplite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.
What minerals are found with iwateite?+
Iwateite commonly co-occurs with Sérandite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does iwateite form in?+
Where it forms: In a Ba- and Sr-bearing manganese deposit. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is iwateite used for?+
Iwateite is used in collector.
Find iwateite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
