Rowlandite-(Y) is a very rare yttrium silicate mineral typically found as massive, anhedral grains in granite pegmatites. It is visually similar to gadolinite and often occurs as an alteration product or in intimate association with other rare-earth-bearing silicates.
Is this rowlandite-(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 rowlandite-(y) with a known reference. Rowlandite-(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. Rowlandite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Rowlandite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, brown, yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive, anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Rowlandite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Gadolinite-(Y) is the harder of the two (Mohs 6.5-7 vs. 5).
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Rowlandite-(Y) leaves white, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads vitreous on Rowlandite-(Y) and submetallic on Allanite.
Often found alongside rowlandite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with rowlandite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Y₄FeSi₂B₂O₁₄F₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 4.5-4.6 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find rowlandite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Skye, Scotland
- Iveland, Norway
- White Cloud Mine, Colorado, USA
- Bancroft, Ontario, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where rowlandite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing gadolinite-(y), fluocerite, thalenite-(y) in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify rowlandite-(y)?+
Where is rowlandite-(y) found?+
How much is rowlandite-(y) worth?+
Is rowlandite-(y) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like rowlandite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with rowlandite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does rowlandite-(y) form in?+
What is rowlandite-(y) used for?+
Find rowlandite-(y) on the map
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