Kapitsaite-(Y) is an extremely rare silicate mineral found in the unique alkaline pegmatites of the Dara-i-Pioz massif in Tajikistan. It typically occurs as small yellowish-brown tabular crystals associated with other rare REE-bearing silicates and borosilicates.
Is this kapitsaite-(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 kapitsaite-(y) with a known reference. Kapitsaite-(Y) sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kapitsaite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kapitsaite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellowish-brown, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, subhedral grains.
Often confused with
Kapitsaite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kapitsaite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with kapitsaite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaCa₂Y₂Al₂Si₄O₁₄(BO₃)(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 4.15 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Subhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $100-500 for small microspecimens
Where rockhounds find kapitsaite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Dara-i-Pioz Glacier, Tajikistan
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where kapitsaite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, subhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kapitsaite-(y)?+
Where is kapitsaite-(y) found?+
How much is kapitsaite-(y) worth?+
What rocks look like kapitsaite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with kapitsaite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does kapitsaite-(y) form in?+
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Find kapitsaite-(y) on the map
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