Agakhanovite-(Y) is a rare cyclosilicate mineral belonging to the milarite group. It typically occurs as small prismatic crystals in beryllium-rich granite pegmatites and is distinguished by its yttrium-dominant composition.
Is this agakhanovite-(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 agakhanovite-(y) with a known reference. Agakhanovite-(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. Agakhanovite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Agakhanovite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale pink.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Agakhanovite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside agakhanovite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with agakhanovite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Y,Ca,REE,Na)₂(Be,Li)₃(Si₁₂O₃₀)
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 2.74 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $100-500 thumbnail specimens
Where rockhounds find agakhanovite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Malmkärra mine, Norberg, Sweden
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where agakhanovite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, fluorite 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
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What rocks look like agakhanovite-(y)?+
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Find agakhanovite-(y) on the map
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