Suzukiite is a rare barium vanadium silicate mineral typically found as small, translucent tabular crystals. It is primarily identified by its distinct yellow color and occurrence in specialized metamorphic manganese-rich environments.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Suzukiite

Hardness: 4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this suzukiite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch suzukiite with a known reference. Suzukiite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Suzukiite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Suzukiite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, greenish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Suzukiite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Fresnoite

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Suzukiite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 3).

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Often found alongside suzukiite

Minerals reported to co-occur with suzukiite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: BaVSi₂O₇
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 4.2 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Greenish-yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Rocks, Specifically Manganese Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find suzukiite

Classic worldwide localities

Kyowa Mine, Japan
Magnet Cove, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic rocks, specifically manganese deposits country — that is the host setting where suzukiite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, sanidine, barite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify suzukiite?+

Mohs hardness is 4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, greenish-yellow.

Where is suzukiite found?+

Notable localities include Kyowa Mine, Japan; Magnet Cove, USA.

How much is suzukiite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is suzukiite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains vanadium and barium, which should be handled with caution to avoid inhalation of dust or ingestion. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like suzukiite?+

Suzukiite is most often confused with Fresnoite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with suzukiite?+

Suzukiite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Sanidine, Barite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does suzukiite form in?+

Suzukiite typically forms in metamorphic rocks, specifically manganese deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is suzukiite used for?+

Suzukiite is used in collector.

Find suzukiite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.