Yakovenchukite-(Y) is an exceptionally rare silicate mineral found in the hyper-agpaitic pegmatites of the Khibiny Massif. Collectors typically look for small, transparent prismatic crystals occurring within cavities alongside other rare alkaline minerals.
Is this yakovenchukite-(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 yakovenchukite-(y) with a known reference. Yakovenchukite-(Y) sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Yakovenchukite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Yakovenchukite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Yakovenchukite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside yakovenchukite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with yakovenchukite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₃NaCa(Y,REE)₂Si₁₂O₃₀·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $100-500 for high quality micros
Where rockhounds find yakovenchukite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where yakovenchukite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, pectolite 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 yakovenchukite-(y)?+
Where is yakovenchukite-(y) found?+
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What rocks look like yakovenchukite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with yakovenchukite-(y)?+
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Find yakovenchukite-(y) on the map
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