Horváthite-(Y) is a rare yttrium-bearing carbonate mineral primarily discovered in the nepheline syenite pegmatites of Mont Saint-Hilaire. Collectors should look for small, tabular, colorless to white crystals often found in association with other rare alkaline minerals in cavities.
Is this horváthite-(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 horváthite-(y) with a known reference. Horváthite-(Y) sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Horváthite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Horváthite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular aggregates.
Often found alongside horváthite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with horváthite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaY(CO₃)F₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 3.32 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Tabular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on quality
Where rockhounds find horváthite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where horváthite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, analcime in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify horváthite-(y)?+
Where is horváthite-(y) found?+
How much is horváthite-(y) worth?+
What minerals are found with horváthite-(y)?+
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Find horváthite-(y) on the map
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