Synchysite-(Y) is a rare rare-earth carbonate mineral typically found as small, thin platy crystals often exhibiting pseudo-hexagonal symmetry. It is most commonly identified by collectors in alkaline pegmatite environments or miarolitic cavities associated with other rare earth minerals.
Is this synchysite-(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 synchysite-(y) with a known reference. Synchysite-(Y) sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Synchysite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Synchysite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, pseudo-hexagonal tablets.
Often confused with
Synchysite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside synchysite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with synchysite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca(Y,Ce)(CO₃)₂F
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 3.9-4.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Pseudo-hexagonal Tablets
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {0001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on crystal size and matrix
Where rockhounds find synchysite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Narsarsuk, Greenland
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
- Fen Complex, Norway
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, pegmatites country — that is the host setting where synchysite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, pseudo-hexagonal tablets habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify synchysite-(y)?+
Where is synchysite-(y) found?+
How much is synchysite-(y) worth?+
What rocks look like synchysite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with synchysite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does synchysite-(y) form in?+
What is synchysite-(y) used for?+
Find synchysite-(y) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
