Churchite-(Y) is a rare hydrated yttrium phosphate mineral that typically forms delicate, needle-like crystals or powdery coatings. Collectors look for its distinctive radiating clusters, most commonly found in association with secondary phosphate minerals in weathered ore deposits.
Is this churchite-(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 churchite-(y) with a known reference. Churchite-(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. Churchite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Churchite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow, pale pink, pale green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular or radiating aggregates of elongated crystals.
Often confused with
Churchite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Churchite-(Y) is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2).
How to tell apart: Churchite-(Y) is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs — Churchite-(Y) leaves white, Vivianite leaves white to light blue.
Often found alongside churchite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with churchite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Y(PO₄)·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.27 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or Radiating Aggregates of Elongated Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins and Secondary Weathering Zones in Phosphate-rich Environments
- Typical price
- $20-200 depending on specimen size and clarity
Where rockhounds find churchite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Cornwall, England
- Magnet Cove, Arkansas, USA
- Shaba, DR Congo
- Minas Gerais, Brazil
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins and secondary weathering zones in phosphate-rich environments country — that is the host setting where churchite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, limonite, phosphosiderite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or radiating aggregates of elongated crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify churchite-(y)?+
Where is churchite-(y) found?+
How much is churchite-(y) worth?+
What rocks look like churchite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with churchite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does churchite-(y) form in?+
What is churchite-(y) used for?+
Find churchite-(y) on the map
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