Toyohaite is a rare silver iron tin sulfide mineral typically found as small, opaque metallic grains within complex hydrothermal ore deposits. It is often identified in polished ore sections alongside other sulfide minerals, making it a challenging species for field identification without analytical methods.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareStannite Group family

Toyohaite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this toyohaite?

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 toyohaite with a known reference. Toyohaite 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. Toyohaite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Toyohaite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside toyohaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₂FeSn₃S₈
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 4.86 g/cm³
Colors: Gray Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-200 per specimen depending on size and rarity

Where rockhounds find toyohaite

Classic worldwide localities

Toyoha mine (Japan)
various silver-tin hydrothermal deposits

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where toyohaite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, sphalerite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify toyohaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include gray, black.

Where is toyohaite found?+

Notable localities include Toyoha mine (Japan); various silver-tin hydrothermal deposits.

How much is toyohaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-200 per specimen depending on size and rarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is toyohaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains heavy metals; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like toyohaite?+

Toyohaite is most often confused with Stannite, Franckeite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with toyohaite?+

Toyohaite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Sphalerite, Pyrite, Chalcopyrite, Arsenopyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does toyohaite form in?+

Toyohaite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is toyohaite used for?+

Toyohaite is used in collector.

Find toyohaite on the map

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