Písekite-(Y) is a rare radioactive complex oxide mineral primarily found in rare-earth-element-rich granitic pegmatites. It typically occurs as black to brownish, heavy prismatic crystals and is chemically related to the Euxenite group, often requiring sophisticated analytical techniques for positive identification.
Is this písekite-(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 písekite-(y) with a known reference. Písekite-(Y) sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Písekite-(Y) leaves a yellowish-brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Písekite-(Y) typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brown, yellowish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Písekite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside písekite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with písekite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Y,Ce,U,Ca)(Nb,Ta,Ti)₂(O,OH)₆
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 5.3-5.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellowish-brown
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find písekite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Písek, Czech Republic
- Iveland, Norway
- Hittero, Norway
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where písekite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing monazite, zircon, beryl in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify písekite-(y)?+
Where is písekite-(y) found?+
How much is písekite-(y) worth?+
Is písekite-(y) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like písekite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with písekite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does písekite-(y) form in?+
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Find písekite-(y) on the map
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