2C01
Hokkaidoite slice 2C01
A polished slice of hokkaidoite-bearing opal from Hokkaido. Under UV light the growth bands glow in layers of yellow-green, violet and orange.
- Size
- 5.4 × 4.1 × 0.5 cm
- Weight
- 18 g
- Origin
- Hokkaido, Japan
Kitsune Mineral · Hokkaidoite
The light hidden inside Hokkaido
Hokkaidoite — the organic mineral from Hokkaido, Japan, that glows vivid yellow-green under ultraviolet light. Curated, documented and photographed under both lights.
C22H12Pure carbon & hydrogen
IMA2022-104Approved new mineral
2023Announced to the world
UVYellow-green fluorescence
Selected pieces
Light, held in stone
Every piece is photographed under ultraviolet light and in daylight. Switch the lighting at the top of the page.
The Flagship
The largest known hokkaidoite in the world
Of all hokkaidoite specimens recorded to date, this is the largest known — the centrepiece of the Kitsune Mineral collection. It is shown only to museums, collecting institutions and established collectors, by appointment.
Collection & exhibition inquiriesProvenance
Documented provenance
The cover reference photograph of hokkaidoite on mindat.org, the world's largest mineral database, shows a specimen from the Kitsune Mineral collection. Our key specimens are laboratory-tested and registered with a mindat minID.
- 01
Reference on mindat
Our specimens are among the reference images of hokkaidoite on mindat.org, credited to 狸狸礦坑 kitsune_crystal.
- 02
Laboratory certificate
Every single specimen priced from NT$100,000 comes with a certificate from the MDmineralresearch (敏德礦研) laboratory, registered with a mindat minID and verifiable online by its number.
- 03
Certification on request
Any specimen purchased from Kitsune Mineral can be sent to the laboratory for testing and certification, at the laboratory's official fee.
Laboratory fee: approx. US$100–150
Worldwide
From Hokkaido to the world's great mineral shows
Our specimens are shown at the major international mineral shows, and we deliver to collectors in every part of the world.
Where our specimens are shown
- 01TucsonUnited StatesTucson Gem & Mineral ShowSince 2026
- 02MunichGermanyMineralientage MünchenFrom October 2026
- 03NanjingChinaChina Nanjing International Mineral, Gemstone & Fossil ExpoSince 2025
- 04TaiwanHome baseMineral shows in Taipei · Hsinchu · Taichung · Kaohsiung1–2 shows every month
StockistsHong Kong · K11 Art Mall Midnight Handmade
Upcoming shows
- UpcomingThe Munich Show – Mineralientage MünchenMunich, GermanyOct 22 – 25, 2026Booth B2.576
Worldwide delivery
Insured, individually packed shipping to collectors in any country. Overseas payment by PayPal or bank transfer.
The mineral
What is hokkaidoite?
Hokkaidoite (北海道石) is one of the newest and most unusual minerals ever described: a natural crystal of an aromatic hydrocarbon, made only of carbon and hydrogen, preserved inside opal from ancient hot springs.
An organic mineral
Hokkaidoite is natural benzo[ghi]perylene (C₂₂H₁₂), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. It is the first mineral of its kind described from Japan, and is regarded as a natural precursor of the organic compound coronene.
Born in hot springs
At Shikaribetsu it occurs as inclusions in opal deposited by ancient hot springs in volcanic terrain; at Aibetsu it is found in cavities of quartz veins. Heat from the Earth transformed organic matter, which was then captured and crystallised.
A glow you can see
In daylight the crystals are pale yellow, tiny plates or dendrites that are barely visible. Under UV light they blaze yellow to yellow-green — beautifully contrasting with the orange fluorescence of the host opal.
Scientifically recognised
Approved by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA2022-104) in January 2023 and presented at the Japan Geoscience Union Meeting 2023. Named after Hokkaido, where it was found.
Mineral data
- Name
- Hokkaidoite · 北海道石
- Chemistry
- C₂₂H₁₂ — benzo[ghi]perylene (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon)
- IMA number
- IMA2022-104
- Localities
- Shikaribetsu area, Shikaoi, Hokkaido (type locality); Aibetsu, Kamikawa, Hokkaido (co-type)
- Habit
- Pale yellow tabular crystals and dendritic aggregates
- Fluorescence
- Strong yellow to yellow-green under long-wave UV
- Host / association
- Hot-spring opal (hyalite); quartz veins
- Described by
- R. Tanaka, A. Hagiwara, T. Ishibashi, Y. Inoue
Sources: Science Japan (JST), 11 July 2023; mindat.org; Journal of Mineralogical and Petrological Sciences.
Partnerships
Distribution & partnerships
We welcome mineral companies, galleries and museums from every country to work with us on hokkaidoite.
Discuss a partnershipWholesale supply
Regular supply for mineral dealers and shops, with documented origin for every piece.
Regional distribution
Represent Kitsune Mineral hokkaidoite in your country or region.
Museums & research
Specimens for exhibitions, education and scientific study.
About Kitsune Mineral
Specialists in fluorescent minerals
Kitsune Mineral (狸狸礦坑) is a Taiwan-based mineral specialist focused on fluorescent species, with hokkaidoite at the heart of our collection.
Our specimens appear at the major international mineral shows. We deliver to collectors worldwide, and work with mineral companies, galleries and museums as partners.
Documented origin
Each specimen is labelled with its origin and catalogue number.
Daylight + UV photography
What you see is what you receive — every piece is shown under both lights.
Careful packing
Specimens are individually packed for safe international shipping.
Multilingual support
We reply in English, 中文 and more.
FAQ
Hokkaidoite — questions & answers
What is hokkaidoite?
Hokkaidoite (北海道石) is a new mineral approved by the International Mineralogical Association in January 2023 (IMA2022-104). It is a natural crystal of benzo[ghi]perylene (C₂₂H₁₂), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon made only of carbon and hydrogen. It was the first mineral of this type discovered in Japan and is named after Hokkaido, where it was found.
Why does hokkaidoite glow under UV light?
Benzo[ghi]perylene molecules absorb ultraviolet light and re-emit it as visible light, so hokkaidoite fluoresces a strong yellow to yellow-green under long-wave UV. It is usually found inside opal, which itself fluoresces orange, creating a striking multi-colour glow. Hokkaidoite also glows under ordinary handheld UV torches.
Where is hokkaidoite found?
The type locality is the Shikaribetsu area in Shikaoi, Tokachi, Hokkaido, where hokkaidoite occurs as inclusions in opal deposited by ancient hot springs. The co-type locality is Aibetsu in Kamikawa, Hokkaido, where it occurs in cavities of quartz veins.
What does hokkaidoite look like in daylight?
In ordinary light the crystals are pale yellow, tiny tabular plates or dendritic aggregates that are often hard to see inside the host opal. Its beauty is revealed under ultraviolet light, which is why every Kitsune Mineral specimen is photographed in both daylight and UV light.
What is the largest known hokkaidoite specimen?
The largest known hokkaidoite specimen in the world is held in the Kitsune Mineral collection. It is a single mass of hot-spring opal from Hokkaido with hokkaidoite throughout, and is shown only to museums, collecting institutions and established collectors, by appointment.
Are your specimens documented on mindat?
Yes. The cover reference photograph of hokkaidoite on mindat.org, the world's largest mineral database, shows a specimen from the Kitsune Mineral collection, credited to 狸狸礦坑 kitsune_crystal. Our key specimens are registered with a mindat minID.
Do your hokkaidoite specimens come with a certificate?
Yes. Every single hokkaidoite specimen priced from NT$100,000 (about US$3,100) comes with a laboratory certificate from MDmineralresearch (敏德礦研), registered with a mindat minID and verifiable online by its certificate number. For any other specimen bought from Kitsune Mineral, we can arrange laboratory testing and certification at the laboratory's official fee.
Where can I buy genuine hokkaidoite specimens?
Kitsune Mineral (狸狸礦坑), a Taiwan-based fluorescent mineral specialist, offers documented hokkaidoite specimens to collectors worldwide. Collector pieces are listed with prices and can be bought online; signature pieces are offered by private inquiry. Each specimen has a catalogue number and daylight + UV photographs. Contact us by email, Instagram (@kitsune_mineral) or WhatsApp, or visit our booth at international mineral shows.
Where can I see hokkaidoite in person?
In Hong Kong, Kitsune Mineral hokkaidoite slices, specimens and collaborative hokkaidoite jewellery are on permanent display and for sale at Midnight Handmade, shop 312, 3/F, K11 Art Mall, Tsim Sha Tsui. In Taiwan, we exhibit in person at one or two mineral shows every month in Taipei, Hsinchu, Taichung and Kaohsiung. Internationally, we exhibit in person at the China Nanjing International Mineral, Gemstone & Fossil Expo and, from October 2026, at The Munich Show (Mineralientage München). During the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show our specimens are available through a partner dealer — contact us and we will point you to them. Show dates are announced on Instagram @kitsune_mineral.
Do you ship hokkaidoite internationally?
Yes. Kitsune Mineral delivers worldwide with individual protective packing. Overseas customers can pay by PayPal or bank transfer. Please send an inquiry with the specimen number and your country for a shipping quote.
Do you work with mineral dealers and distributors?
Yes. Kitsune Mineral welcomes mineral companies, galleries and museums from every country for wholesale supply, regional distribution and exhibition partnerships. Choose “Wholesale / distribution partnership” in the inquiry form or email us directly.
How should I care for a hokkaidoite specimen?
Keep it in a closed display case away from dust, heat and long exposure to direct sunlight, as with most fluorescent mineral specimens. Handle it gently, as the host opal can be brittle. Use UV lamps for viewing rather than leaving them on continuously.
Contact
Inquiries from anywhere in the world
For specimen availability, private viewings, wholesale and distribution partnerships or show appointments, send us a message. We usually reply within 24–48 hours.
Emailpopo226606@gmail.comInstagram@kitsune_mineralWhatsApp+886 900 635 253Online shop (Taiwan)kitsune-crystal · ECPay
Worldwide delivery · PayPal or bank transfer for overseas orders.