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. Streak: yellowish, grayish, or reddish brown.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: brilliant submetallic, waxy to resinous on fractures.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brownish black, brown, yellow, olive green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: granular, massive, metamict.
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(NbTi)O₆
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6.5
- Density
- 5.3-5.9 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellowish, grayish, or reddish brown
- Luster
- Brilliant submetallic, waxy to resinous on fractures
- Transparency
- Opaque, translucent on thin edges
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Granular, massive, metamict
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector, Ore of rare earth elements
- Host rock
- From granite pegmatites; as a component of detrital black sands
Where rockhounds find euxenite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Rutherford pegmatite, Amelia Co., the Nanco pegmatite, Bedford Co., Virginia, USA
- Morton, Delaware Co., Pennsylvania, USA
- Encampment, Carbon Co., Wyoming, USA
- Guffey, Park Co., near Bergen Park, Jefferson Co., and the Colorado feldspar pegmatite, Fremont Co., USA
- Jölster, Söndfjord, Norway
- Alve, on Tromö Island, Norway
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: From granite pegmatites; as a component of detrital black sands. If you start seeing albite, microcline, biotite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: granular, massive, metamict. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
More euxenite-(y) photos
Common questions
How do you identify euxenite-(y)?+
Where is euxenite-(y) found?+
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.
