Murataite-(Y) is a rare complex oxide mineral typically found in alkaline igneous pegmatites. It usually forms small, yellowish to dark brown dodecahedral crystals that are highly sought after by collectors of radioactive or rare earth species.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

Yellowish-white

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareMurataite Group family

Murataite-(Y)

Hardness: 6
Luster: Resinous
Streak: Yellowish-white
Transparency: Translucent

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Zirconolite

Mohs 5.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Murataite-(Y) leaves yellowish-white, Zirconolite leaves white; luster reads resinous on Murataite-(Y) and submetallic on Zirconolite.

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Often found alongside murataite-(y)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Y,Na)₆(Zn,Fe)₃(Ti,Nb)₆O₁₈(F,OH)₄
Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 4.5-5.0 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Black
Streak: Yellowish-white
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find murataite-(y)

Classic worldwide localities

St. Peters Dome, Colorado, USA
Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where murataite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, astrophyllite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dodecahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify murataite-(y)?+

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

Where is murataite-(y) found?+

Notable localities include St. Peters Dome, Colorado, USA; Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is murataite-(y) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is murataite-(y) safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains rare earth elements and thorium which can be radioactive; handle with care and wash hands after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like murataite-(y)?+

Murataite-(Y) is most often confused with Zirconolite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

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

Murataite-(Y) commonly co-occurs with Microcline, Aegirine, Astrophyllite, Fluorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

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

What is murataite-(y) used for?+

Murataite-(Y) is used in collector.

Find murataite-(y) on the map

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