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, 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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