Mieite-(Y) is an extremely rare yttrium-titanium mineral discovered in Japanese pegmatites. It typically occurs as small, tabular brownish-yellow crystals and is highly sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors due to its limited distribution.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Mieite-(Y)

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this mieite-(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 mieite-(y) with a known reference. Mieite-(Y) sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mieite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Mieite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-brown, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often found alongside mieite-(y)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Y₂(Ti,Fe³⁺,Fe²⁺)₂Ti₂(O,OH)₈
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 4.15 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-brown Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find mieite-(y)

Classic worldwide localities

Mie Prefecture, Japan
Sabae, Fukui Prefecture, Japan

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify mieite-(y)?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellow-brown, brown.

Where is mieite-(y) found?+

Notable localities include Mie Prefecture, Japan; Sabae, Fukui Prefecture, Japan.

How much is mieite-(y) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

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

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

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

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

What is mieite-(y) used for?+

Mieite-(Y) is used in collector.

Find mieite-(y) on the map

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