Kuliokite-(Y) is an extremely rare yttrium-rich silicate mineral primarily found in alkaline pegmatites of the Kola Peninsula. It typically occurs as small, pale yellow to brownish tabular crystals or granular masses, often associated with other rare earth minerals.
Is this kuliokite-(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 kuliokite-(y) with a known reference. Kuliokite-(Y) sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kuliokite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kuliokite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, granular aggregates.
Often confused with
Kuliokite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kuliokite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with kuliokite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Y₄Al(SiO₄)₂(OH)₂F₅
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 4.8-4.9 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen
Where rockhounds find kuliokite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where kuliokite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kuliokite-(y)?+
Where is kuliokite-(y) found?+
How much is kuliokite-(y) worth?+
What rocks look like kuliokite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with kuliokite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does kuliokite-(y) form in?+
What is kuliokite-(y) used for?+
Find kuliokite-(y) on the map
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