Yttrocrasite-(Y) is a rare yttrium-rich titano-niobate mineral that typically occurs as massive, opaque black grains. It is primarily found within granite pegmatites and is highly valued by radioactive mineral collectors due to its complex chemical composition and scarcity.
Is this yttrocrasite-(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 yttrocrasite-(y) with a known reference. Yttrocrasite-(Y) sits at Mohs 5.5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Yttrocrasite-(Y) leaves a yellowish brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Yttrocrasite-(Y) typically shows a resinous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: massive, anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Yttrocrasite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside yttrocrasite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with yttrocrasite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Y,Th,Ca,U)(Ti,Fe)₂(O,OH)₆
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6
- Density
- 4.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish Brown
- Luster
- Resinous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find yttrocrasite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Burnet County, Texas, USA
- Madagascar
- Norway
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where yttrocrasite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing allanite, quartz, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify yttrocrasite-(y)?+
Where is yttrocrasite-(y) found?+
How much is yttrocrasite-(y) worth?+
Is yttrocrasite-(y) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like yttrocrasite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with yttrocrasite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does yttrocrasite-(y) form in?+
What is yttrocrasite-(y) used for?+
Find yttrocrasite-(y) on the map
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