Kamiokite is a rare iron molybdenum oxide typically found in skarn deposits. It is best identified by its opaque, black metallic luster and its specific paragenesis with molybdenum-bearing minerals in metamorphosed ore bodies.
Is this kamiokite?
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 kamiokite with a known reference. Kamiokite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kamiokite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kamiokite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Kamiokite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads metallic on Kamiokite and submetallic on Manaccanite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Kamiokite leaves black, Iron Ore leaves reddish-brown to black; luster reads metallic on Kamiokite and metallic to submetallic on Iron Ore.
Often found alongside kamiokite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kamiokite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe₂Mo₃O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 5.62 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Skarn Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find kamiokite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kamioka mine, Japan
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- China
Field-hunting tip
Look in skarn deposits country, the host setting where kamiokite typically forms. If you start seeing molybdenite, magnetite, scheelite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find kamiokite on the map
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