Euxenite-(Y) is a complex oxide mineral typically found in granite pegmatites as heavy, black, lustrous crystals. It is frequently metamict, meaning its crystal structure has been damaged by the radioactive decay of its own uranium and thorium content.
Is this euxenite-(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 euxenite-(y) with a known reference. Euxenite-(Y) sits at Mohs 5.5-6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Euxenite-(Y) leaves a yellowish-brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Euxenite-(Y) typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish-black, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Euxenite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside euxenite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with euxenite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Y,Ca,Ce,U,Th)(Nb,Ta,Ti)₂O₆
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6.5
- Density
- 4.7-5.0 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-brown
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Ore of Rare Earth Elements
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-150 per specimen depending on size and radioactivity level
Where rockhounds find euxenite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Hitra, Norway
- Ivigtut, Greenland
- Madagascar
- Ontario, Canada
- Colorado, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where euxenite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing monazite, zircon, beryl in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify euxenite-(y)?+
Where is euxenite-(y) found?+
How much is euxenite-(y) worth?+
Is euxenite-(y) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like euxenite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with euxenite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does euxenite-(y) form in?+
What is euxenite-(y) used for?+
Find euxenite-(y) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
