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 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Pyatenkoite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Pyatenkoite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, platy aggregates.
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
- Na₅(Y,Dy,Gd)TiSi₆O₁₈·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 2.88 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Platy Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find pyatenkoite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where pyatenkoite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, lomonosovite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, platy aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify pyatenkoite-(y)?+
Where is pyatenkoite-(y) found?+
How much is pyatenkoite-(y) worth?+
What rocks look like pyatenkoite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with pyatenkoite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does pyatenkoite-(y) form in?+
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Find pyatenkoite-(y) on the map
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