Batievaite-(Y) is an extremely rare silicate mineral found in alkaline pegmatites of the Kola Peninsula. It typically forms small prismatic crystals and is distinguished by its unique yttrium-rich chemical composition within the gatelite group.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGatelite Group family

Batievaite-(Y)

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this batievaite-(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 batievaite-(y) with a known reference. Batievaite-(Y) sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Batievaite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Batievaite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-brown, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside batievaite-(y)

Minerals reported to co-occur with batievaite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂Y₂Al₂Si₂O₁₀(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 4.15 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-brown Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: expensive collector item due to rarity

Where rockhounds find batievaite-(y)

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where batievaite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing albite, microcline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify batievaite-(y)?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellow-brown, brown.

Where is batievaite-(y) found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is batievaite-(y) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of expensive collector item due to rarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like batievaite-(y)?+

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

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

Batievaite-(Y) commonly co-occurs with Albite, Microcline, Aegirine, Arfvedsonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

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

What is batievaite-(y) used for?+

Batievaite-(Y) is used in collector.

Find batievaite-(y) on the map

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