Hokkaidoite, which has quickly become a hot topic, will be on display to the public starting May 29 at the Tokachi Shikaoi Geopark Visitor Center in Shikaoi Town, featuring collected specimens and more. Exhibitions are also planned at other facilities in Hokkaido, including The Hokkaido University Museum, the Higashi Taisetsu Nature Center (run by the Ministry of the Environment and Kamishihoro Town), and the Hokkaido Museum.

Tokachi Shikaoi Geopark Visitor Center

■Address: 28-2 Nishi-29-sen, Urimaku, Shikaoi, Kato-gun, Hokkaido
■Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
■Closed: Tuesdays

See details for Tokachi Shikaoi Geopark Visitor Center on Domingo

The site where the opal is found has been located within Daisetsuzan National Park since before World War II. However, there are recent reports of numerous items, suspected to have been illegally mined, being sold online. It has become an urgent issue to not only raise awareness of the geological and mineralogical importance of the opal containing this new mineral, Hokkaidoite, and its origin site, but also to conserve it for future generations.

The discovery of this new mineral could provide clues to solving long-standing mysteries. When the actual specimens are exhibited in various locations across Hokkaido, be sure to visit and see it for yourself.

*Thumbnail photo: "Opal containing Hokkaidoite (from Shikaoi Town). The yellow fluorescent part under UV irradiation is Hokkaidoite." © Ryoji Tanaka
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