Magnesiorowlandite-(Y) is an extremely rare silicate mineral belonging to the rowlandite group. It is typically found as anhedral grains within granitic pegmatites and is often associated with other rare-earth element minerals.
Is this magnesiorowlandite-(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 magnesiorowlandite-(y) with a known reference. Magnesiorowlandite-(Y) sits at Mohs 5-5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Magnesiorowlandite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Magnesiorowlandite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, greenish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: anhedral grains, massive.
Often confused with
Magnesiorowlandite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside magnesiorowlandite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with magnesiorowlandite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Y₄FeSi₂B₄O₁₄F₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-5.5
- Density
- 4.6-4.7 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find magnesiorowlandite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Norway
- Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where magnesiorowlandite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing fluorite, quartz, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify magnesiorowlandite-(y)?+
Where is magnesiorowlandite-(y) found?+
How much is magnesiorowlandite-(y) worth?+
Is magnesiorowlandite-(y) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like magnesiorowlandite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with magnesiorowlandite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does magnesiorowlandite-(y) form in?+
What is magnesiorowlandite-(y) used for?+
Find magnesiorowlandite-(y) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
