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 — that is 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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