Loranskite-(Y) is a rare radioactive mineral belonging to the euxenite group, often occurring in granitic pegmatites. It typically appears as dark, submetallic, prismatic crystals or massive forms, frequently exhibiting metamictization due to its internal radioactivity. Collectors should treat it as a hazardous specimen and ensure proper shielded storage.
Is this loranskite-(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 loranskite-(y) with a known reference. Loranskite-(Y) sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Loranskite-(Y) leaves a brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Loranskite-(Y) typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Loranskite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside loranskite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with loranskite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Y,Ce,Ca,Zr,U)(Ta,Nb,Ti)₂O₆
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 4.5-5.0 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brown
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find loranskite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Sortavala, Karelia, Russia
- Madagascar
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where loranskite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, quartz, biotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify loranskite-(y)?+
Where is loranskite-(y) found?+
How much is loranskite-(y) worth?+
Is loranskite-(y) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like loranskite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with loranskite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does loranskite-(y) form in?+
What is loranskite-(y) used for?+
Find loranskite-(y) on the map
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