Barrydawsonite-(Y) is an exceptionally rare phosphate mineral belonging to the apatite supergroup. It is typically found as small, inconspicuous grains within the complex alkaline pegmatites of the Khibiny Massif on the Kola Peninsula.
Is this barrydawsonite-(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 barrydawsonite-(y) with a known reference. Barrydawsonite-(Y) sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Barrydawsonite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Barrydawsonite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, pale yellow, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: anhedral grains and small inclusions.
Often confused with
Barrydawsonite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside barrydawsonite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with barrydawsonite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₃Na₆Ca₂Y₂(PO₄)₆F₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.55 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains and Small Inclusions
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- n/a
Where rockhounds find barrydawsonite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where barrydawsonite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, nepheline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains and small inclusions habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify barrydawsonite-(y)?+
Where is barrydawsonite-(y) found?+
How much is barrydawsonite-(y) worth?+
What rocks look like barrydawsonite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with barrydawsonite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does barrydawsonite-(y) form in?+
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Find barrydawsonite-(y) on the map
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