Saryarkite-(Y) is an exceptionally rare yttrium-thorium silicate mineral found primarily in Kazakhstan. It typically occurs as small tabular crystals in complex pegmatite environments and is highly sought after by advanced collectors due to its extreme scarcity.
Is this saryarkite-(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 saryarkite-(y) with a known reference. Saryarkite-(Y) sits at Mohs 3.5-4, 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: dull to greasy.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: acicular, massive.
Often confused with
Saryarkite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Saryarkite-(Y) leaves white, Thorite leaves light orange to dark brown; luster reads dull to greasy on Saryarkite-(Y) and vitreous to resinous or greasy on Thorite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads dull to greasy on Saryarkite-(Y) and vitreous on Xenotime.
Often found alongside saryarkite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with saryarkite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca(Y,Th)Al₅(SiO₄)₂(PO₄)₂(OH)₇·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 3.07-3.15 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Dull to greasy
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Acicular, massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In Devonian propylitized felsic effusives and in altered granitic rocks associated with quartzites
Where rockhounds find saryarkite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Sary-Arka, Kazakhstan (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In Devonian propylitized felsic effusives and in altered granitic rocks associated with quartzites. If you start seeing mica, alunite, andalusite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: acicular, massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify saryarkite-(y)?+
Where is saryarkite-(y) found?+
Is saryarkite-(y) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like saryarkite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with saryarkite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does saryarkite-(y) form in?+
What is saryarkite-(y) used for?+
Find saryarkite-(y) on the map
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