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 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 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
- YCa□₂KBe₃Si₁₂O₃₀
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 2.672 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In miarolitic cavities in granitic pegmatite and crystallized from late-stage hydrothermal solutions enriched in yttrium
Where rockhounds find agakhanovite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Heftetjem pegmatite, between Høydalen and Skarsfjell, Tørdal, Norway
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In miarolitic cavities in granitic pegmatite and crystallized from late-stage hydrothermal solutions enriched in yttrium. If you start seeing microcline, albite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify agakhanovite-(y)?+
Where is agakhanovite-(y) found?+
Is agakhanovite-(y) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like agakhanovite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with agakhanovite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does agakhanovite-(y) form in?+
What is agakhanovite-(y) used for?+
Find agakhanovite-(y) on the map
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