Miyahisaite is a rare strontium-rich member of the apatite supergroup typically found in skarn environments. It usually occurs in granular aggregates rather than distinct euhedral crystals, making it a challenging species for collectors to identify visually. It is primarily known from specific mine localities in Japan where it is associated with other phosphate and scheelite-bearing ores.
Is this miyahisaite?
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 miyahisaite with a known reference. Miyahisaite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Miyahisaite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Miyahisaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: granular, massive.
Often confused with
Miyahisaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside miyahisaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with miyahisaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Sr,Ca)₅(PO₄)₃(OH,F)
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.8-3.9 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Granular, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Skarn Deposits
- Typical price
- expensive
Where rockhounds find miyahisaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Obira mine, Oita Prefecture, Japan
Field-hunting tip
Look in skarn deposits country — that is the host setting where miyahisaite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, scheelite, pyrrhotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find miyahisaite on the map
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