Mineevite-(Y) is an extremely rare carbonate mineral found almost exclusively in the alkaline pegmatites of the Khibiny Massif in Russia. It typically occurs as small, colorless to yellowish tabular crystals or platy aggregates, often requiring microscopic examination for positive identification. It is highly sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors due to its complex chemical composition and limited geographic occurrence.
Is this mineevite-(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 mineevite-(y) with a known reference. Mineevite-(Y) sits at Mohs 4, 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, pearly on cleavages.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, yellowish green, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: granular.
Often confused with
Mineevite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside mineevite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with mineevite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂₅BaY₂(CO₃)₁₁(HCO₃)₄(SO₄)₂F₂Cl
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 2.85 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous, pearly on cleavages
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Granular
- Cleavage
- On {0001}, perfect
- Fluorescence
- Weak yellow green under SW and LW UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Very rare in pegmatites in a differentiated alkalic massif
Where rockhounds find mineevite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Mt. Alluaiv, Lovozero massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Very rare in pegmatites in a differentiated alkalic massif. If you start seeing nahcolite, trona, thermonatrite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify mineevite-(y)?+
Where is mineevite-(y) found?+
What rocks look like mineevite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with mineevite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does mineevite-(y) form in?+
What is mineevite-(y) used for?+
Find mineevite-(y) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
