Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) is a rare yttrium-bearing silicate mineral found in complex alkaline pegmatites. It typically occurs as small, clear to yellowish prismatic crystals and is primarily sought after by advanced mineral collectors specializing in rare-earth species.
Is this vyuntspakhkite-(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 vyuntspakhkite-(y) with a known reference. Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) sits at Mohs 6-7, 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: adamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic.
Often confused with
Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) leaves white, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads adamantine on Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) and submetallic on Allanite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) leaves white, Gadolinite-(Y) leaves greenish gray; luster reads adamantine on Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) and vitreous to greasy on Gadolinite-(Y).
Often found alongside vyuntspakhkite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with vyuntspakhkite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Y₄Al₂(SiO₄)₂(OH)₈
- Mohs hardness
- 6-7
- Density
- 4.02 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic
- Cleavage
- None
- Fluorescence
- Faint yellow green under SW UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Two generations of crystals occur in fluorite in amazonite pegmatites
Where rockhounds find vyuntspakhkite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Mt. Ploskaya, Keivy massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Evans Lou pegmatite, Wakefield, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Two generations of crystals occur in fluorite in amazonite pegmatites. If you start seeing fluorite, gadolinite, xenotime in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify vyuntspakhkite-(y)?+
Where is vyuntspakhkite-(y) found?+
What rocks look like vyuntspakhkite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with vyuntspakhkite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does vyuntspakhkite-(y) form in?+
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Find vyuntspakhkite-(y) on the map
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