Xenotime-(Y) is an important yttrium phosphate mineral typically found as small, stubby tetragonal crystals in granitic pegmatites. It is often confused with zircon, but can be distinguished by its slightly lower hardness and characteristic brown-to-reddish brown coloration.
Is this xenotime-(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 xenotime-(y) with a known reference. Xenotime-(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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to resinous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellowish brown, greenish brown, gray, reddish brown, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: massive, prismatic, radial.
Often confused with
Xenotime-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside xenotime-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with xenotime-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Y(PO₄)
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 4.4-5.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous to resinous
- Transparency
- Translucent to opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive, prismatic, radial
- Cleavage
- On {100}, good
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector, Ore of yttrium
- Host rock
- An accessory mineral in alkalic to granitic rocks, well-developed in associated pegmatites; in gneiss and Alpine veins; a common detrital mineral in placers
Where rockhounds find xenotime-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Placers in Polk, McDowell, and Burke Cos., North Carolina, USA
- Cheyenne Mountain, El Paso Co., Colorado, USA
- Lindesnes, Norway
- Hidra (Hitterö) Island, Norway
- Tvedestrand and Arendal, Norway
- Raade, near Moss, Norway
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: An accessory mineral in alkalic to granitic rocks, well-developed in associated pegmatites; in gneiss and Alpine veins; a common detrital mineral in placers. If you start seeing zircon, monazite, rutile in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: massive, prismatic, radial. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify xenotime-(y)?+
Where is xenotime-(y) found?+
Is xenotime-(y) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like xenotime-(y)?+
What minerals are found with xenotime-(y)?+
What kind of rock does xenotime-(y) form in?+
What is xenotime-(y) used for?+
Find xenotime-(y) on the map
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