Badakhshanite-(Y) is an extremely rare yttrium-bearing garnet species discovered in the pegmatites of the Badakhshan region. It typically appears as dark, opaque dodecahedral crystals that require geochemical analysis to distinguish from other dark garnet group members. Due to its limited locality and obscure nature, it is highly prized among advanced mineral collectors.

Hardness

6.5-7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Badakhshanite-(Y)

Hardness: 6.5-7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this badakhshanite-(y)?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch badakhshanite-(y) with a known reference. Badakhshanite-(Y) sits at Mohs 6.5-7.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Badakhshanite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Badakhshanite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: isometric. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals.

Often confused with

Badakhshanite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside badakhshanite-(y)

Minerals reported to co-occur with badakhshanite-(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)₃(Al,Fe,Be)₂(Si,Be)₃O₁₂
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7.5
Density: 4.5-4.8 g/cm³
Colors: Black Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Isometric
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find badakhshanite-(y)

Classic worldwide localities

Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan

Field-hunting tip

Look in pegmatites country — that is the host setting where badakhshanite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, mica in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dodecahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify badakhshanite-(y)?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include black, brown.

Where is badakhshanite-(y) found?+

Notable localities include Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan.

How much is badakhshanite-(y) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like badakhshanite-(y)?+

Badakhshanite-(Y) is most often confused with Almandite, Spessartine, Andradite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with badakhshanite-(y)?+

Badakhshanite-(Y) commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Feldspar, Mica. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does badakhshanite-(y) form in?+

Badakhshanite-(Y) typically forms in pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is badakhshanite-(y) used for?+

Badakhshanite-(Y) is used in collector.

Find badakhshanite-(y) on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.