Gagarinite-(Y) is a rare sodium-calcium-yttrium fluoride mineral typically found in evolved alkaline pegmatites. Collectors look for small, prismatic crystals often embedded in feldspar or associated with rare-earth element minerals like zircon and astrophyllite.

Hardness

4.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGagarinite Group family

Gagarinite-(Y)

Hardness: 4.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this gagarinite-(y)?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch gagarinite-(y) with a known reference. Gagarinite-(Y) sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Gagarinite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Gagarinite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, yellow, pink, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Gagarinite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside gagarinite-(y)

Minerals reported to co-occur with gagarinite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: NaCaYF₆
Mohs hardness: 4.5
Density: 4.21 g/cm³
Colors: White Yellow Pink Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find gagarinite-(y)

Classic worldwide localities

Verkhnyaya Keivy, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Strange Lake, Quebec, Canada
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Poudrette Quarry, Quebec, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where gagarinite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify gagarinite-(y)?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, yellow, pink, brown.

Where is gagarinite-(y) found?+

Notable localities include Verkhnyaya Keivy, Kola Peninsula, Russia; Strange Lake, Quebec, Canada; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada; Poudrette Quarry, Quebec, Canada.

How much is gagarinite-(y) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is gagarinite-(y) safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains minor amounts of radioactive elements (Thorium/Uranium substitutions); handle with care and avoid inhalation of dust when lapidary working. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like gagarinite-(y)?+

Gagarinite-(Y) is most often confused with Gagarinite-(Ce), Fluorite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with gagarinite-(y)?+

Gagarinite-(Y) commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Microcline, Albite, Zircon, Astrophyllite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does gagarinite-(y) form in?+

Gagarinite-(Y) typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is gagarinite-(y) used for?+

Gagarinite-(Y) is used in collector.

Find gagarinite-(y) on the map

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