Munakataite is a rare secondary mineral typically found as distinct, bright blue acicular sprays in oxidized mineral deposits. It is a selenate-sulfate mineral that is chemically and visually similar to linarite, often requiring chemical analysis for definitive identification.
Is this munakataite?
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 munakataite with a known reference. Munakataite sits at Mohs <2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: bluish white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous, pearly on cleavage surfaces.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: light blue.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: aggregates.
Often confused with
Munakataite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Munakataite leaves bluish white, Linarite leaves pale blue.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Munakataite leaves bluish white, Chalcomenite leaves light blue.
How to tell apart: Brochantite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. <2); streak differs, so Munakataite leaves bluish white, Brochantite leaves pale green.
Often found alongside munakataite
Minerals reported to co-occur with munakataite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₂Cu₂(SeO₃)(SO₄)(OH)₄
- Mohs hardness
- <2
- Density
- 5.526 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Bluish white
- Luster
- Vitreous, pearly on cleavage surfaces
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A secondary mineral in the weathering zone of a polymetallic sulfide deposit
Where rockhounds find munakataite
Classic worldwide localities
- Dumps of the Kato mine, Fukuoka Prefecture and at the Kisamori mine, Akita Prefecture, Japan
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A secondary mineral in the weathering zone of a polymetallic sulfide deposit. If you start seeing malachite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find munakataite on the map
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