Hizenite-(Y) is a rare yttrium-calcium carbonate typically found as a secondary alteration product of other yttrium-bearing minerals in granitic pegmatites. It usually occurs as white, earthy, or fibrous masses and requires mineralogical analysis to distinguish from similar rare-earth carbonates.
Is this hizenite-(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 hizenite-(y) with a known reference. Hizenite-(Y) sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hizenite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hizenite-(Y) typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: massive, aggregates of tiny fibers, microcrystalline.
Often confused with
Hizenite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside hizenite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with hizenite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaY₂(CO₃)₄·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 3.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Aggregates of Tiny Fibers, Microcrystalline
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find hizenite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Hizen, Saga Prefecture, Japan
- Evje, Norway
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where hizenite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing gadolinite-(y), fergusonite-(y), quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, aggregates of tiny fibers, microcrystalline habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify hizenite-(y)?+
Where is hizenite-(y) found?+
How much is hizenite-(y) worth?+
What rocks look like hizenite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with hizenite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does hizenite-(y) form in?+
What is hizenite-(y) used for?+
Find hizenite-(y) on the map
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