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.

Hardness

Mohs

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareApatite Supergroup family

Barrydawsonite-(Y)

Hardness: 5
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this barrydawsonite-(y)?

3-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 barrydawsonite-(y) with a known reference. Barrydawsonite-(Y) sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, pale brown.
3
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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.

How to tell apart: Britholite-(Y) is the harder of the two (Mohs 6 vs. 5).

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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.

Arfvedsonite
mineral · Mohs 5-6

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₁.₅Y₀.₅CaSi₃O₉H
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 3.161 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless Pale brown
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Anhedral grains and small inclusions
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Poikilitic in amphibole and pyroxene in metamorphosed eudialyte-syenite

Where rockhounds find barrydawsonite-(y)

Classic worldwide localities

Merlot Claim, North Red Wine Pluton, Labrador, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Poikilitic in amphibole and pyroxene in metamorphosed eudialyte-syenite. If you start seeing y-bearing pectolite, arfvedsonite, jadeitic aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains and small inclusions. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify barrydawsonite-(y)?+

Mohs hardness is 5. Common colors include colorless, pale brown.

Where is barrydawsonite-(y) found?+

Notable localities include Merlot Claim, North Red Wine Pluton, Labrador, Canada.

What rocks look like barrydawsonite-(y)?+

Barrydawsonite-(Y) is most often confused with Apatite, Britholite-(Y). A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

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

Barrydawsonite-(Y) commonly co-occurs with Y-bearing pectolite, Arfvedsonite, Jadeitic aegirine, Steenstrupine, Britholite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Where it forms: Poikilitic in amphibole and pyroxene in metamorphosed eudialyte-syenite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is barrydawsonite-(y) used for?+

Barrydawsonite-(Y) is used in collector.

Find barrydawsonite-(y) on the map

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