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-brown tabular crystals associated with strontiopiemontite in metamorphic environments.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Taikanite

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

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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 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Taikanite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Taikanite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. 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: Sr₂Mn₃Si₄O₁₂(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 3.55 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Manganese-rich Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find taikanite

Classic worldwide localities

Ohmi, Niigata Prefecture, Japan

Field-hunting tip

Look in manganese-rich metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where taikanite typically forms. If you start seeing strontiopiemontite, quartz, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify taikanite?+

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

Where is taikanite found?+

Notable localities include Ohmi, Niigata Prefecture, Japan.

How much is taikanite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What minerals are found with taikanite?+

Taikanite commonly co-occurs with strontiopiemontite, quartz, albite, aegirine. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does taikanite form in?+

Taikanite typically forms in manganese-rich metamorphic rocks. 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

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