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 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ramikite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ramikite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow, brown.
- 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
- (Na,Li,Ca)₃(Y,REE)₂Ti₂Si₄O₁₇(OH,F)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 4.36 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $100-500+ for documented micromounts
Where rockhounds find ramikite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous pegmatites country — that is the host setting where ramikite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.




