Samarskite-(Y) is a complex radioactive oxide mineral typically found in granite pegmatites. It is often identified by its dark, shiny appearance, submetallic luster, and tendency to form blocky or prismatic crystals that are frequently metamict due to internal radiation damage.
Is this samarskite-(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 samarskite-(y) with a known reference. Samarskite-(Y) sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Samarskite-(Y) leaves a dark brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Samarskite-(Y) typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Samarskite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Samarskite-(Y) leaves dark brown, Columbium Ore leaves dark red to black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Samarskite-(Y) leaves dark brown, Euxenite leaves yellowish, grayish, or reddish-brown; luster reads submetallic on Samarskite-(Y) and submetallic, resinous, greasy on Euxenite.
Often found alongside samarskite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with samarskite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- YFe³⁺Nb₂O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 5.6-5.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Dark Brown
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Ore of Rare Earth Elements
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-200 per specimen
Where rockhounds find samarskite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Miass, Russia
- Spruce Pine, USA
- Evje, Norway
- Minas Gerais, Brazil
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where samarskite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing columbite, zircon, monazite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify samarskite-(y)?+
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What rocks look like samarskite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with samarskite-(y)?+
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Find samarskite-(y) on the map
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