Bastnäsite-(Y) is a rare rare-earth carbonate mineral typically found in complex alkaline environments. It is often distinguished from the more common Cerium-dominant variety by its Yttrium content and specific paragenesis, often appearing as small, sharp tabular crystals in pegmatite pockets.
Is this bastnäsite-(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 bastnäsite-(y) with a known reference. Bastnäsite-(Y) sits at Mohs 4-4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bastnäsite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Bastnäsite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-brown, reddish-brown, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Bastnäsite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside bastnäsite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with bastnäsite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Y(CO₃)F
- Mohs hardness
- 4-4.5
- Density
- 5.6-5.8 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {10-10}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Pegmatites, Carbonatites
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail, $200+ cabinet specimen
Where rockhounds find bastnäsite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Zagi Mountain, Pakistan
- Strange Lake, Canada
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Madagascar
- Norway
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, pegmatites, carbonatites country — that is the host setting where bastnäsite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing fluorite, quartz, zircon in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify bastnäsite-(y)?+
Where is bastnäsite-(y) found?+
How much is bastnäsite-(y) worth?+
Is bastnäsite-(y) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like bastnäsite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with bastnäsite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does bastnäsite-(y) form in?+
What is bastnäsite-(y) used for?+
Find bastnäsite-(y) on the map
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