Tantalaeschynite-(Y) is a rare radioactive mineral occurring primarily in granitic pegmatites. It typically forms as dark, submetallic, prismatic crystals that are frequently metamict due to internal radiation damage.
Is this tantalaeschynite-(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 tantalaeschynite-(y) with a known reference. Tantalaeschynite-(Y) sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tantalaeschynite-(Y) leaves a yellowish-brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Tantalaeschynite-(Y) typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Tantalaeschynite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Tantalaeschynite-(Y) leaves yellowish-brown, Euxenite leaves yellowish, grayish, or reddish-brown; luster reads submetallic on Tantalaeschynite-(Y) and submetallic, resinous, greasy on Euxenite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Tantalaeschynite-(Y) leaves yellowish-brown, Columbium Ore leaves dark red to black.
Often found alongside tantalaeschynite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with tantalaeschynite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Y,Ca,Fe,Th)(Ti,Nb,Ta)₂O₆
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 5.5-6.1 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-brown
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find tantalaeschynite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Urals, Russia
- Norway
- Madagascar
- Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where tantalaeschynite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing zircon, monazite, feldspar in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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What rocks look like tantalaeschynite-(y)?+
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Find tantalaeschynite-(y) on the map
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