Shomiokite-(Y) is a rare yttrium-bearing carbonate mineral primarily found in hyper-alkaline pegmatites. It typically forms colorless to pale yellow tabular crystals, which are often found associated with minerals like aegirine and microcline in complex geological environments like the Kola Peninsula.
Is this shomiokite-(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 shomiokite-(y) with a known reference. Shomiokite-(Y) sits at Mohs 2-3, 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, waxy to silky.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, sometimes in radiating groups or massive aggregates.
Often confused with
Shomiokite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside shomiokite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with shomiokite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₃Y(CO₃)₃·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 2.52 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Dull, waxy to silky
- Transparency
- Translucent, transparent in small pieces
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals, sometimes in radiating groups or massive aggregates
- Cleavage
- On {110}, perfect; a parting on {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In interstices and as large segregations in potassic feldspar in pegmatites (Mt. Alluaiv, Kola Peninsula, Russia); associated with an intrusive alkalic gabbro-syenite complex (Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada)
Where rockhounds find shomiokite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Mt. Alluaiv, Lovozero massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In interstices and as large segregations in potassic feldspar in pegmatites (Mt. Alluaiv, Kola Peninsula, Russia); associated with an intrusive alkalic gabbro-syenite complex (Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada). If you start seeing albite, cancrinite, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, sometimes in radiating groups or massive aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify shomiokite-(y)?+
Where is shomiokite-(y) found?+
What rocks look like shomiokite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with shomiokite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does shomiokite-(y) form in?+
What is shomiokite-(y) used for?+
Find shomiokite-(y) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
