Kanoite is a relatively rare manganese-rich pyroxene that typically occurs in highly metamorphosed manganese deposits. It is often found as small, granular masses and can be challenging to distinguish from other pyroxene group minerals without chemical analysis. Collectors primarily look for it in classic manganese mining localities associated with other manganese silicates and carbonates.
Is this kanoite?
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 kanoite with a known reference. Kanoite 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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink brown, reddish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular, massive.
Often confused with
Kanoite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Kanoite leaves white, Johannsenite leaves greenish gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Kanoite leaves white, Clinoenstatite leaves greenish gray.
Often found alongside kanoite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kanoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Mn,Mg)₂Si₂O₆
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 3.66 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Granular, massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {110}, (110) ^ (110) ~88°
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a seam cutting a pyroxmangite-cummingtonite metamorphic rock
Where rockhounds find kanoite
Classic worldwide localities
- From near Tatehira, Oshima Peninsula, Hokkaido, Japan (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a seam cutting a pyroxmangite-cummingtonite metamorphic rock. If you start seeing spessartine, manganoan cummingtonite, pyroxmangite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: granular, massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kanoite?+
Where is kanoite found?+
What rocks look like kanoite?+
What minerals are found with kanoite?+
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Find kanoite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
