Kyawthuite is currently recognized as the rarest mineral in the world, with only a single documented specimen discovered in the Mogok Valley of Myanmar. It is a bismuth antimony oxide forming small, orange, transparent tabular crystals that show exceptional luster.
Is this kyawthuite?
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 kyawthuite with a known reference. Kyawthuite sits at Mohs 5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kyawthuite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kyawthuite typically shows a sub-adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: orange, reddish-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: small tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Kyawthuite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kyawthuite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kyawthuite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Bi³⁺Sb⁵⁺O₄
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5
- Density
- 8.25 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Sub-adamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Small Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None Reported
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alluvial Deposits of The Mogok Metamorphic Belt
- Typical price
- Extremely high, unique market pricing for the rarest mineral in the world.
Where rockhounds find kyawthuite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mogok, Myanmar
Field-hunting tip
Look in alluvial deposits of the mogok metamorphic belt country — that is the host setting where kyawthuite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, topaz, beryl in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a small tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kyawthuite?+
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Find kyawthuite on the map
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