Bussyite-(Y) is an exceptionally rare silicate mineral primarily found in agpaitic alkaline igneous rocks. It typically forms small, prismatic to tabular crystals and is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors for its complexity and scarcity.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareGaidonnayite Group family

Bussyite-(Y)

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside bussyite-(y)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Y,Na,REE)₄(Be,Al)₃Si₉(O,OH)₂₇
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 2.85 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic to Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find bussyite-(y)

Classic worldwide localities

Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify bussyite-(y)?+

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

Where is bussyite-(y) found?+

Notable localities include Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada; Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is bussyite-(y) worth?+

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

What rocks look like bussyite-(y)?+

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

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

Bussyite-(Y) commonly co-occurs with Microcline, Aegirine, Analcime, Sodalite, Eudialyte. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

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

What is bussyite-(y) used for?+

Bussyite-(Y) is used in collector.

Find bussyite-(y) on the map

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