Levinsonite-(Y) is an extremely rare sulfate mineral often found as tiny, delicate bladed crystals or radial sprays. It is typically discovered in geological settings where weathering of sulfide minerals occurs in aluminum-rich environments.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Levinsonite-(Y)

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this levinsonite-(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 levinsonite-(y) with a known reference. Levinsonite-(Y) sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Levinsonite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Levinsonite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-brown, light yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: bladed crystals, radial aggregates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Levinsonite-(Y) leaves white, Jarosite leaves yellow.

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Often found alongside levinsonite-(y)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Y,Nd,Gd)Al(SO₄)₂(OH)₆·6H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 3.51 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-brown Light Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Bladed Crystals, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find levinsonite-(y)

Classic worldwide localities

Putnam County, New York, USA
Altai Mountains, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where levinsonite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, pyrite, mica in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify levinsonite-(y)?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-brown, light yellow.

Where is levinsonite-(y) found?+

Notable localities include Putnam County, New York, USA; Altai Mountains, Russia.

How much is levinsonite-(y) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like levinsonite-(y)?+

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

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

Levinsonite-(Y) commonly co-occurs with Quartz, pyrite, mica. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Levinsonite-(Y) typically forms in metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is levinsonite-(y) used for?+

Levinsonite-(Y) is used in collector.

Find levinsonite-(y) on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.