Xenotime-(Yb) is a rare ytterbium-dominant phosphate mineral belonging to the Xenotime group. Collectors look for its characteristic tetragonal prismatic crystals in granitic pegmatites, where it often appears as a minor accessory mineral alongside zircon.
Is this xenotime-(yb)?
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-(yb) with a known reference. Xenotime-(Yb) 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.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, yellowish white, brownish white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: inclusions.
Often confused with
Xenotime-(Yb) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside xenotime-(yb)
Minerals reported to co-occur with xenotime-(yb). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- YbPO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 5.85 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Inclusions
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A primary phase in the saccharoidal albite unit of a gadolinite subtype of the NYF family of rare-element granitic pegmatite
Where rockhounds find xenotime-(yb)
Classic worldwide localities
- SHE-5 pegmatite, Twp. 16, Rge. 15 EPM, southeastern Manitoba, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A primary phase in the saccharoidal albite unit of a gadolinite subtype of the NYF family of rare-element granitic pegmatite. If you start seeing ferrian muscovite, ferrocolumbite, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: inclusions. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify xenotime-(yb)?+
Where is xenotime-(yb) found?+
Is xenotime-(yb) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like xenotime-(yb)?+
What minerals are found with xenotime-(yb)?+
What kind of rock does xenotime-(yb) form in?+
What is xenotime-(yb) used for?+
Find xenotime-(yb) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
