The Story ofMichinoku Gold
Mt. Hikami crystals
LocationRikuzentakata
ContentsJapan Heritage
Crystals extracted from mineral deposits in the granite of Mount Hikami. The crystals are crystallized quartz, the main constituent mineral of granite, a common type of gold ore. They were used as eyes in Buddhist statuary. Even today, they can be found scattered among the debris at Tamayama Gold Mine. They are valuable byproduct characteristic of gold ore.
Cultural assets status / Classification
undesignated (Natural Monument)
