Proshchenkoite-(Y) is a rare member of the apatite group characterized by its high yttrium and silicate content. It typically occurs as small, brownish prismatic crystals in highly alkaline igneous environments like the Kola Peninsula.
Is this proshchenkoite-(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 proshchenkoite-(y) with a known reference. Proshchenkoite-(Y) sits at Mohs ~5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: light brown.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to greasy.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: metamict, prismatic.
Often confused with
Proshchenkoite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside proshchenkoite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with proshchenkoite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Y,REE,Ca,Na,Mn)₁₅FeCa(P,Si)Si₆B₃(O,F)₄₈
- Mohs hardness
- ~5
- Density
- 4.72 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light brown
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Metamict, prismatic
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In pegmatites and the enclosing crystalline schists and aegirinized gneisses
Where rockhounds find proshchenkoite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Yakutia, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In pegmatites and the enclosing crystalline schists and aegirinized gneisses. If you start seeing chevkinite, fergusonite, gadolinite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: metamict, prismatic. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify proshchenkoite-(y)?+
Where is proshchenkoite-(y) found?+
Is proshchenkoite-(y) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like proshchenkoite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with proshchenkoite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does proshchenkoite-(y) form in?+
What is proshchenkoite-(y) used for?+
Find proshchenkoite-(y) on the map
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