Chukhrovite-(Y) is a rare complex calcium yttrium aluminum silicate fluoride mineral that typically forms sharp, translucent octahedral crystals. It is most often found in hydrothermal deposits and rare-earth enriched pegmatites, frequently associated with fluorite. Collectors value it for its geometric perfection and its unique position as a member of a rare mineral group.
Is this chukhrovite-(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 chukhrovite-(y) with a known reference. Chukhrovite-(Y) sits at Mohs ~3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to pearly, greasy on fracture surfaces.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals, sometimes rounded or as crusts.
Often confused with
Chukhrovite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside chukhrovite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with chukhrovite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₃YAl₂(SO₄)F₁₃·10H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- ~3
- Density
- 2.274-2.398 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly, greasy on fracture surfaces
- Transparency
- Transparent to opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Octahedral crystals, sometimes rounded or as crusts
- Cleavage
- On {111}, distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- In the oxidation zone of a Mo–W deposit
Where rockhounds find chukhrovite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Kara-Oba Mo–W deposit, Bet-Pak-Dal Desert, central Kazakhstan
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In the oxidation zone of a Mo–W deposit. If you start seeing halloysite, gearksutite, fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: octahedral crystals, sometimes rounded or as crusts. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify chukhrovite-(y)?+
Where is chukhrovite-(y) found?+
What rocks look like chukhrovite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with chukhrovite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does chukhrovite-(y) form in?+
What is chukhrovite-(y) used for?+
Find chukhrovite-(y) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
