Batievaite-(Y) is an extremely rare silicate mineral found in alkaline pegmatites of the Kola Peninsula. It typically forms small prismatic crystals and is distinguished by its unique yttrium-rich chemical composition within the gatelite group.

Hardness

5-5.5

Mohs

Luster

Dull, greasy or pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareGatelite Group family

Batievaite-(Y)

Hardness: 5-5.5
Luster: Dull, greasy or pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this batievaite-(y)?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch batievaite-(y) with a known reference. Batievaite-(Y) sits at Mohs 5-5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: dull, greasy or pearly.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pale cream, white, very pale tan, or rarely brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Batievaite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Epidote

Mohs 6-7

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Batievaite-(Y) leaves white, Epidote leaves grayish white; luster reads dull, greasy or pearly on Batievaite-(Y) and vitreous, pearly, somewhat resinous on Epidote.

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Often found alongside batievaite-(y)

Minerals reported to co-occur with batievaite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂Y₂[(H₂O)₂□]Ti(Si₂O₇)₂(OH)₂(H₂O)₂
Mohs hardness: 5-5.5
Density: 3.45 g/cm³
Colors: Pale creamWhiteVery pale tanOr rarely brown
Streak: White
Luster: Dull, greasy or pearly
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In nepheline syenite pegmatite near its contact with essexite in an alkaline massif, formed at the late-pegmatitic or hydrothermal stage

Where rockhounds find batievaite-(y)

Classic worldwide localities

Sakharjok alkaline massif, Western Keivy, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In nepheline syenite pegmatite near its contact with essexite in an alkaline massif, formed at the late-pegmatitic or hydrothermal stage. If you start seeing hainite, calcite, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify batievaite-(y)?+

Mohs hardness is 5-5.5. Luster: dull, greasy or pearly. The streak is white. Common colors include pale cream, white, very pale tan, or rarely brown.

Where is batievaite-(y) found?+

Notable localities include Sakharjok alkaline massif, Western Keivy, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

What rocks look like batievaite-(y)?+

Batievaite-(Y) is most often confused with Epidote. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with batievaite-(y)?+

Batievaite-(Y) commonly co-occurs with Hainite, Calcite, Albite, Natrolite, Nepheline, Alkaline pyroxenes. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does batievaite-(y) form in?+

Where it forms: In nepheline syenite pegmatite near its contact with essexite in an alkaline massif, formed at the late-pegmatitic or hydrothermal stage. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is batievaite-(y) used for?+

Batievaite-(Y) is used in collector.

Find batievaite-(y) on the map

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