Caysichite-(Y) is an exceptionally rare yttrium-bearing silicate-carbonate mineral typically found in complex alkaline pegmatites. Collectors usually search for it as tiny acicular, radiating clusters or crusts coating other pegmatite minerals. It is highly sought after by systematic mineral collectors due to its limited distribution and complex chemical composition.
Is this caysichite-(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 caysichite-(y) with a known reference. Caysichite-(Y) sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Caysichite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Caysichite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, yellowish-white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular or prismatic crystals, radiating groups, coatings.
Often confused with
Caysichite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside caysichite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with caysichite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₄Y₄(Si₄O₁₂) (CO₃)₆·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 3.36 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or Prismatic Crystals, Radiating Groups, Coatings
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $100-500 for small thumbnail specimens
Where rockhounds find caysichite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Yukon Territory, Canada
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where caysichite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or prismatic crystals, radiating groups, coatings habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify caysichite-(y)?+
Where is caysichite-(y) found?+
How much is caysichite-(y) worth?+
What rocks look like caysichite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with caysichite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does caysichite-(y) form in?+
What is caysichite-(y) used for?+
Find caysichite-(y) on the map
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