Aeschynite-(Y) is a rare niobium-titanium oxide mineral that typically occurs as dark, orthorhombic prismatic crystals in granitic pegmatites. Collectors should look for its distinctive resinous luster and dark, earth-toned appearance, though identification often requires chemical analysis due to its similarity to other rare-earth bearing oxides.
Is this aeschynite-(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 aeschynite-(y) with a known reference. Aeschynite-(Y) sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Aeschynite-(Y) leaves a yellowish-brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Aeschynite-(Y) typically shows a resinous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brown, yellowish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Aeschynite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside aeschynite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with aeschynite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Y,Ca,Fe,Th)(Ti,Nb)₂(O,OH)₆
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 4.9-5.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellowish-brown
- Luster
- Resinous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-150 per specimen depending on crystal quality and size.
Where rockhounds find aeschynite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Hittero, Norway
- Miass, Russia
- Ivigtut, Greenland
- Madagascar
- Colorado, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where aeschynite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing zircon, monazite, feldspar in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify aeschynite-(y)?+
Where is aeschynite-(y) found?+
How much is aeschynite-(y) worth?+
Is aeschynite-(y) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like aeschynite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with aeschynite-(y)?+
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Find aeschynite-(y) on the map
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