Takedaite is a rare borate mineral typically found as small, colorless, tabular crystals within skarn deposits. It is primarily known from the Fuka mine in Japan where it occurs in association with other rare calcium borate and silicate minerals.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Takedaite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this takedaite?

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 takedaite with a known reference. Takedaite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Takedaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Takedaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside takedaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₃B₂O₆
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 2.95 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Skarn Deposits
Typical price: $50-300+ depending on matrix quality

Where rockhounds find takedaite

Classic worldwide localities

Fuka mine, Okayama Prefecture, Japan

Field-hunting tip

Look in skarn deposits country — that is the host setting where takedaite typically forms. If you start seeing spurrite, rondorfite, fukalite 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 takedaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is takedaite found?+

Notable localities include Fuka mine, Okayama Prefecture, Japan.

How much is takedaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300+ depending on matrix quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like takedaite?+

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

What minerals are found with takedaite?+

Takedaite commonly co-occurs with spurrite, rondorfite, fukalite, calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does takedaite form in?+

Takedaite typically forms in skarn deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is takedaite used for?+

Takedaite is used in collector.

Find takedaite on the map

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