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.
Is this levinsonite-(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 levinsonite-(y) with a known reference. Levinsonite-(Y) sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic, water soluble.
Often confused with
Levinsonite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
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
- YAl(SO₄)₂((C₂)O₄)(H₂O)₄·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.181 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic, water soluble
- Cleavage
- On {101}, perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Formed by evaporative precipitation during weathering of pyritiferous phyllite, the rare earths probably derived from monazite and xenotime
Where rockhounds find levinsonite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Alum Cave Bluff, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Formed by evaporative precipitation during weathering of pyritiferous phyllite, the rare earths probably derived from monazite and xenotime. If you start seeing zugshunstite-, epsomite, halotrichite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic, water soluble. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify levinsonite-(y)?+
Where is levinsonite-(y) found?+
What rocks look like levinsonite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with levinsonite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does levinsonite-(y) form in?+
What is levinsonite-(y) used for?+
Find levinsonite-(y) on the map
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