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.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Vyuntspakhkite-(Y)

Hardness: 6.5-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this vyuntspakhkite-(y)?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch vyuntspakhkite-(y) with a known reference. Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) sits at Mohs 6.5-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Allanite

Mohs 5.5-6

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) leaves white, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads vitreous on Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) and submetallic on Allanite.

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: 6.5-7
Density: 4.43 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find vyuntspakhkite-(y)

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where vyuntspakhkite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vyuntspakhkite-(y)?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, colorless.

Where is vyuntspakhkite-(y) found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is vyuntspakhkite-(y) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like vyuntspakhkite-(y)?+

Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) is most often confused with Allanite, Gadolinite-(Y). A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with vyuntspakhkite-(y)?+

Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Microcline, Albite, Zircon. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vyuntspakhkite-(y) form in?+

Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vyuntspakhkite-(y) used for?+

Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) is used in collector.

Find vyuntspakhkite-(y) on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.