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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 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)₂Ba₃(PO₄)₃F
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 4.511 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Granular, massive
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a metamorphosed (low grade) bedded Mn and chert deposit
Where rockhounds find miyahisaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Shimoharai mine, Yayoi Udoki area, Saiki City, Oita Prefecture, Japan
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a metamorphosed (low grade) bedded Mn and chert deposit. If you start seeing fluorapatite, namansilite, quartz 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 miyahisaite?+
Where is miyahisaite found?+
What rocks look like miyahisaite?+
What minerals are found with miyahisaite?+
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Find miyahisaite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
