Malayaite is a rare tin-bearing calcium silicate that belongs to the titanite group. It is typically found in contact metamorphic skarn zones and is highly prized by collectors for its rare occurrence and resemblance to titanite.
Is this malayaite?
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 malayaite with a known reference. Malayaite 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. Malayaite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Malayaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, greenish yellow, yellowish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: equant to prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Malayaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside malayaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with malayaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaSnSiO₅
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 4.15 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Equant to Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Research
- Host rock
- Skarn Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on crystal size and quality
Where rockhounds find malayaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Malaya
- Japan
- Russia
- Mexico
- Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in skarn deposits country — that is the host setting where malayaite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, fluorite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant to prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find malayaite on the map
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