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Wonder

Misen River ominelite find

WorldBlue  In short

There is only one known place where can be found gemstone quality ominelite. It is located in a gorgeous place – Misen River gorge in the fabulous Omine Mountains, Japan.

3.5 out of 10 stars 35.0%

GPS coordinates
34.2111 N 135.8944 E
Location, address
Asia, Japan, Kansai, Nara Prefecture, Yoshino County, Omine Mountains near Tenkawe village, at Misen River
Gemstones
ominelite

Map of the site

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WorldYellow In detail

Ominelite was discovered in the granite rocks along Misen River in Omine Mountains in 1999 and scientifically described in 2002. This mountainous locality is known for its scenic beauty and numerous historical landmarks – temples and shrines scattered in mountains and forests.

The transparent, pale blue grains of ominelite are quite small, not exceeding 5 mm. This gemstone in its chemical composition is similar to another very rare (albeit not THAT rare) gemstone – grandidierite.

Smaller grains of ominelite have been found also in Czechia and Norway.

References

  1. Ominelite, mindat.org. Accessed on 25th April 2022.
  2. Yoshikuni Hiroi, et al. Ominelite, (Fe,Mg)Al3BSiO9 (Fe2+ analogue of grandidierite), a new mineral fromporphyritic granite in Japan, American Mineralogist, Volume 87, pages 160–170, 2001. Accessed on 25th April 2022.

Misen River ominelite find is included in the following article:

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Many finds of gemstones, such as jadeite mines in Guatemala or Sar i Sang lapis lazuli mines in Afghanistan – have been used for millennia and are legendary places.

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