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. Xenotime-(Yb) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Xenotime-(Yb) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellowish-brown, reddish-brown, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, bipyramidal.
Often confused with
Xenotime-(Yb) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Zircon is the harder of the two (Mohs 7.5 vs. 4-5); luster reads vitreous on Xenotime-(Yb) and adamantine on Zircon.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Xenotime-(Yb) and resinous on Monazite.
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
- 4.5-5.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Bipyramidal
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-200 per specimen
Where rockhounds find xenotime-(yb)
Classic worldwide localities
- Norway
- Sweden
- Brazil
- Madagascar
- Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where xenotime-(yb) typically forms. If you start seeing zircon, quartz, feldspar in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, bipyramidal habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify xenotime-(yb)?+
Where is xenotime-(yb) found?+
How much is xenotime-(yb) worth?+
Is xenotime-(yb) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like xenotime-(yb)?+
What minerals are found with xenotime-(yb)?+
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Find xenotime-(yb) on the map
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