Badakhshanite-(Y) is an extremely rare yttrium-bearing garnet species discovered in the pegmatites of the Badakhshan region. It typically appears as dark, opaque dodecahedral crystals that require geochemical analysis to distinguish from other dark garnet group members. Due to its limited locality and obscure nature, it is highly prized among advanced mineral collectors.
Is this badakhshanite-(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 badakhshanite-(y) with a known reference. Badakhshanite-(Y) sits at Mohs 6.5-7.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Badakhshanite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Badakhshanite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic.
Often confused with
Badakhshanite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Badakhshanite-(Y) and vitreous to subresinous on Almandine.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Badakhshanite-(Y) and adamantine to resinous to dull on Andradite.
Often found alongside badakhshanite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with badakhshanite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Y,Ca,Fe)₃(Al,Fe,Be)₂(Si,Be)₃O₁₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5-7.5
- Density
- 4.5-4.8 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Pegmatites
Where rockhounds find badakhshanite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan
Field-hunting tip
Look in pegmatites country, the host setting where badakhshanite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, mica in float, you are in the right ground.
Common questions
How do you identify badakhshanite-(y)?+
Where is badakhshanite-(y) found?+
What rocks look like badakhshanite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with badakhshanite-(y)?+
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Find badakhshanite-(y) on the map
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