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 — 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 — that is 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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