Pyatenkoite-(Y) is an exceptionally rare sodium yttrium titanium silicate mineral found primarily in alkaline pegmatite environments. It typically occurs as small tabular or platy crystals that exhibit a distinct vitreous luster and perfect basal cleavage. Collectors primarily seek this mineral from famous alkaline localities like the Khibiny Massif or Mont Saint-Hilaire.
Is this pyatenkoite-(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 pyatenkoite-(y) with a known reference. Pyatenkoite-(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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals.
Often confused with
Pyatenkoite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside pyatenkoite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with pyatenkoite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₅YTiSi₆O₁₈(H₂O)₆
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 2.68 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Rhombohedral crystals
- Cleavage
- Indistinct on {0112}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In hyperagpaitic pegmatites
Where rockhounds find pyatenkoite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Alluaiv in the northwestern part of the Lovozero alkaline massif, Kila Peninsula, Russia (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In hyperagpaitic pegmatites. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, lomonosovite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify pyatenkoite-(y)?+
Where is pyatenkoite-(y) found?+
What rocks look like pyatenkoite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with pyatenkoite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does pyatenkoite-(y) form in?+
What is pyatenkoite-(y) used for?+
Find pyatenkoite-(y) on the map
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