Taikanite is a rare manganese strontium silicate mineral discovered in the manganese ore deposits of the Ohmi area in Japan. It typically occurs as small yellowish-greenish black tabular crystals associated with strontiopiemontite in metamorphic environments.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous to greasy

Streak

White

Transparency

Semitransparent

mineralrare

Taikanite

Hardness: ~6
Luster: Vitreous to greasy
Streak: White
Transparency: Semitransparent

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Is this taikanite?

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 taikanite with a known reference. Taikanite sits at Mohs ~6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to greasy.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: greenish black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive.

Often found alongside taikanite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: BaSr₂Mn₂O₂(Si₄O₁₂)
Mohs hardness: ~6
Density: 4.72 g/cm³
Colors: Greenish black
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous to greasy
Transparency: Semitransparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular crystals, massive
Cleavage: {001}, perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In hydrothermal manganese ores related to alkalic dikes intruding limestones and siliceous rocks (Irnimi deposit, Russia); in a bedded manganese deposit (Wessels mine, South Africa)

Where rockhounds find taikanite

Classic worldwide localities

Irnimi manganese deposit, Taikan Mountains, Khabarovsk Territory, Russia
Wessels mine, near Kuruman, Cape Province, South Africa

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In hydrothermal manganese ores related to alkalic dikes intruding limestones and siliceous rocks (Irnimi deposit, Russia); in a bedded manganese deposit (Wessels mine, South Africa). If you start seeing braunite, namansilite, strakhovite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify taikanite?+

Mohs hardness is ~6. Luster: vitreous to greasy. The streak is white. Common colors include greenish black.

Where is taikanite found?+

Notable localities include Irnimi manganese deposit, Taikan Mountains, Khabarovsk Territory, Russia; Wessels mine, near Kuruman, Cape Province, South Africa.

What minerals are found with taikanite?+

Taikanite commonly co-occurs with Braunite, Namansilite, Strakhovite, Sérandite, Pectolite, Sugilite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does taikanite form in?+

Where it forms: In hydrothermal manganese ores related to alkalic dikes intruding limestones and siliceous rocks (Irnimi deposit, Russia); in a bedded manganese deposit (Wessels mine, South Africa). Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is taikanite used for?+

Taikanite is used in collector.

Find taikanite on the map

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