Tanohataite is a rare lithium-sodium-manganese silicate first discovered in the Tanohata mine of Japan. It typically occurs as small tabular crystals associated with manganese ore minerals in skarn-like assemblages. Due to its extreme rarity and very limited occurrence, it is primarily of interest to systematic mineral collectors.
Is this tanohataite?
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 tanohataite with a known reference. Tanohataite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tanohataite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Tanohataite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Tanohataite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside tanohataite
Minerals reported to co-occur with tanohataite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- LiNaMn₂Si₅O₁₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.83 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Manganese Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500+ for rare specimens
Where rockhounds find tanohataite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tanohata mine, Iwate Prefecture, Japan
Field-hunting tip
Look in manganese ore deposits country, the host setting where tanohataite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, rhodochrosite, tephroite 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
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Find tanohataite on the map
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