Ramikite-(Y) is a rare mineral found primarily in the agpaitic pegmatites of Mont Saint-Hilaire. It typically occurs as small, brownish-yellow, platy crystals often associated with other rare alkaline silicates and titanium minerals.
Is this ramikite-(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 ramikite-(y) with a known reference. Ramikite-(Y) sits at Mohs ~3, 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: sub-vitreous to dull.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellowish white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Ramikite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ramikite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with ramikite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Li₂Na₆(Y,Ca,REE)₃Zr₃(PO₄)₆(CO₃)₂O₂(OH,F)₂
- Mohs hardness
- ~3
- Density
- 3.60 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Sub-vitreous to dull
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy crystals
- Cleavage
- Weak to poor on {100}, {010}, {001} probable
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- A late-stage product possibly related to the in situ alteration of the pre-existing mineral assemblage present in the core of a zoned peralkaline pegmatite dike encased in a hornfels xenolith
Where rockhounds find ramikite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Poudrette pegmatite, Mont Saint-Hilaire, La Vallée-du-Richelieu, Montérégie (formerly Rouville County), Québec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A late-stage product possibly related to the in situ alteration of the pre-existing mineral assemblage present in the core of a zoned peralkaline pegmatite dike encased in a hornfels xenolith. If you start seeing peatite-, albite, rhodochrosite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ramikite-(y)?+
Where is ramikite-(y) found?+
What rocks look like ramikite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with ramikite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does ramikite-(y) form in?+
What is ramikite-(y) used for?+
Find ramikite-(y) on the map
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