Adamsite-(Y) is an exceptionally rare yttrium carbonate mineral found almost exclusively in the alkaline igneous complexes of Mont Saint-Hilaire. It typically appears as delicate, colorless to pale yellow platy crystals often arranged in radiating or rosette-like clusters. Due to its scarcity and fragile nature, it is highly sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.
Is this adamsite-(y)?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch adamsite-(y) with a known reference. Adamsite-(Y) sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Adamsite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Adamsite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Adamsite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside adamsite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with adamsite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaY(CO₃)₂·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 3.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find adamsite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where adamsite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing dawsonite, siderite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify adamsite-(y)?+
Where is adamsite-(y) found?+
How much is adamsite-(y) worth?+
What rocks look like adamsite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with adamsite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does adamsite-(y) form in?+
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Find adamsite-(y) on the map
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