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.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Saryarkite-(Y)

Hardness: 4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this saryarkite-(y)?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch saryarkite-(y) with a known reference. Saryarkite-(Y) sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Saryarkite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Saryarkite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellowish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Saryarkite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Thorite

Mohs 4.5-5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Saryarkite-(Y) leaves white, Thorite leaves dark brown; luster reads vitreous on Saryarkite-(Y) and resinous on Thorite.

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: (Y,Th)₂(Al,Si)₂(O,OH)₇·nH₂O
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 3.5 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Yellowish
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: expensive

Where rockhounds find saryarkite-(y)

Classic worldwide localities

Kazakhstan

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where saryarkite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, thorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify saryarkite-(y)?+

Mohs hardness is 4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, yellowish.

Where is saryarkite-(y) found?+

Notable localities include Kazakhstan.

How much is saryarkite-(y) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of expensive. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is saryarkite-(y) safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains thorium, which is radioactive. Handle with care, wash hands after touching, and store in a sealed container away from living areas. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like saryarkite-(y)?+

Saryarkite-(Y) is most often confused with Thorite, Xenotime. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with saryarkite-(y)?+

Saryarkite-(Y) commonly co-occurs with quartz, feldspar, thorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does saryarkite-(y) form in?+

Saryarkite-(Y) typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is saryarkite-(y) used for?+

Saryarkite-(Y) is used in collector.

Find saryarkite-(y) on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.