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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to oily.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: gray, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. 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
- Y₄Mg(Si₂O₇)₂F₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-5.5
- Density
- 4.82 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous to oily
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral grains, massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a block of granitic pegmatite collected from a talus slope
Where rockhounds find magnesiorowlandite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Souri Valley, Komono, Mie Prefecture, central Japan
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a block of granitic pegmatite collected from a talus slope. If you start seeing quartz, albite, k-feldspar in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains, massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify magnesiorowlandite-(y)?+
Where is magnesiorowlandite-(y) found?+
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
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