Okanoganite-(Y) is an exceptionally rare rare-earth element silicate mineral found primarily in alkaline pegmatites. It is typically identified by its tabular crystal habit and distinct yellowish-brown coloration in the field, often occurring in association with other rare accessory minerals in radioactive pegmatite environments.
Is this okanoganite-(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 okanoganite-(y) with a known reference. Okanoganite-(Y) sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Okanoganite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Okanoganite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Okanoganite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Okanoganite-(Y) leaves white, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads vitreous on Okanoganite-(Y) and submetallic on Allanite.
How to tell apart: Gadolinite-(Y) is the harder of the two (Mohs 6.5-7 vs. 4-5).
Often found alongside okanoganite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with okanoganite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na,Ca)₃(Y,REE)₇(Si,B)₈O₂₄(F,OH)₁₀
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 4.25 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find okanoganite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Okanogan County, Washington, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where okanoganite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, zircon, fergusonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find okanoganite-(y) on the map
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