Yttriaite-(Y) is a rare yttrium phosphate mineral occurring primarily in granitic pegmatites. It typically forms as prismatic crystals that can be difficult to distinguish from zircon without analytical testing due to its similar appearance and potential radioactive content.
Is this yttriaite-(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 yttriaite-(y) with a known reference. Yttriaite-(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. Yttriaite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Yttriaite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, yellow, gray, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Yttriaite-(Y) 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 Yttriaite-(Y) and adamantine on Zircon.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Yttriaite-(Y) and resinous on Monazite.
Often found alongside yttriaite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with yttriaite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- YPO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 4.4-5.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Geological Study
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-200 depending on specimen size and clarity
Where rockhounds find yttriaite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Norway
- Sweden
- Canada
- USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where yttriaite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, biotite 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 yttriaite-(y)?+
Where is yttriaite-(y) found?+
How much is yttriaite-(y) worth?+
Is yttriaite-(y) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like yttriaite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with yttriaite-(y)?+
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Find yttriaite-(y) on the map
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