Menzerite-(Y) is a rare member of the garnet group specifically enriched in yttrium and other rare earth elements. It typically appears as dark, dodecahedral crystals in silica-undersaturated or rare-metal pegmatites, often requiring laboratory analysis for definitive identification due to its similarity to other garnets.

Hardness

7-7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Menzerite-(Y)

Hardness: 7-7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this menzerite-(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 menzerite-(y) with a known reference. Menzerite-(Y) sits at Mohs 7-7.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Menzerite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Menzerite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals, massive.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside menzerite-(y)

Minerals reported to co-occur with menzerite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: {(Y,REE,Ca,Mn)₃(Mg,Fe³⁺,Fe²⁺)₂(Si,Al)₃O₁₂}
Mohs hardness: 7-7.5
Density: 3.9-4.2 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Black
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites, Skarns
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality and size

Where rockhounds find menzerite-(y)

Classic worldwide localities

Sweden
Canada
Russia
USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites, skarns country — that is the host setting where menzerite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, biotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dodecahedral crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify menzerite-(y)?+

Mohs hardness is 7-7.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include brown, black.

Where is menzerite-(y) found?+

Notable localities include Sweden; Canada; Russia; USA.

How much is menzerite-(y) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen quality and size. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is menzerite-(y) safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains rare earth elements and potential trace thorium; handle with care and wash hands after contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like menzerite-(y)?+

Menzerite-(Y) is most often confused with Almandite, Spessartine, Andradite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

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

Menzerite-(Y) commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Feldspar, Biotite, Zircon. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Menzerite-(Y) typically forms in granite pegmatites, skarns. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is menzerite-(y) used for?+

Menzerite-(Y) is used in collector, scientific research.

Find menzerite-(y) on the map

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