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. Xenotime-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Xenotime-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellowish-brown, brown, reddish-brown, greenish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, bipyramidal crystals, granular.
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
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Bipyramidal Crystals, Granular
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector, Ore of Yttrium
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites, Gneisses
- Typical price
- $15-150 per specimen depending on crystal size and quality
Where rockhounds find xenotime-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Norway
- Brazil
- USA
- Madagascar
- Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites, gneisses country — that is the host setting where xenotime-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing zircon, monazite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, bipyramidal crystals, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify xenotime-(y)?+
Where is xenotime-(y) found?+
How much is xenotime-(y) worth?+
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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