Sazykinaite-(Y) is an exceptionally rare sodium-yttrium carbonate mineral found in alkaline pegmatites of the Lovozero Massif. It typically occurs as small, pale yellow tabular crystals often associated with complex rare-earth bearing minerals in intrusive igneous environments.
Is this sazykinaite-(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 sazykinaite-(y) with a known reference. Sazykinaite-(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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, light green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: crystalline.
Often found alongside sazykinaite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with sazykinaite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₅YZrSi₆O₁₈·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.67-2.71 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Crystalline
- Cleavage
- Imperfect on {012}
- Fluorescence
- Bright green under SW UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In hyperagpaitic pegmatites
Where rockhounds find sazykinaite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Mt. Koashva, SE part of the Khibina alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In hyperagpaitic pegmatites. If you start seeing eudialyte, microcline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: crystalline. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify sazykinaite-(y)?+
Where is sazykinaite-(y) found?+
What minerals are found with sazykinaite-(y)?+
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Find sazykinaite-(y) on the map
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