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.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Submetallic

Streak

Greenish gray

Transparency

Opaque, transparent in thin fragments

mineralrareEuxenite Group family

Loranskite-(Y)

Hardness: 5
Luster: Submetallic
Streak: Greenish gray
Transparency: Opaque, transparent in thin fragments

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Is this loranskite-(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 loranskite-(y) with a known reference. Loranskite-(Y) sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: greenish gray.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: submetallic.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, brownish black, green yellow, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: metamict.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Euxenite-(Y)

Mohs 5.5-6.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Loranskite-(Y) leaves greenish gray, Euxenite-(Y) leaves yellowish, grayish, or reddish brown; luster reads submetallic on Loranskite-(Y) and brilliant submetallic, waxy to resinous on fractures on Euxenite-(Y).

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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.

Monazite
mineral · Mohs 5-5.5

All properties

Chemical formula: (Y,Ce,Ca)(Zr,Ta)₂O₆
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 4.6 g/cm³
Colors: Black Brownish black Green yellow Yellow
Streak: Greenish gray
Luster: Submetallic
Transparency: Opaque, transparent in thin fragments
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Metamict
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In pegmatite

Where rockhounds find loranskite-(y)

Classic worldwide localities

Impilakhti, Pitkäranta district, Lake Ladoga, Karelia, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In pegmatite. If you start seeing monazite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: metamict. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify loranskite-(y)?+

Mohs hardness is 5. Luster: submetallic. The streak is greenish gray. Common colors include black, brownish black, green yellow, yellow.

Where is loranskite-(y) found?+

Notable localities include Impilakhti, Pitkäranta district, Lake Ladoga, Karelia, Russia.

Is loranskite-(y) safe to handle?+

Loranskite-(Y) contains trace uranium or thorium. This mineral is radioactive and contains thorium and/or uranium. Handle with caution, use proper storage (lead-lined boxes or containers), and avoid creating dust or breathing particles while handling.

What rocks look like loranskite-(y)?+

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

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

Loranskite-(Y) commonly co-occurs with Monazite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Where it forms: In pegmatite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is loranskite-(y) used for?+

Loranskite-(Y) is used in collector.

Find loranskite-(y) on the map

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