Chukhrovite-(Y) is a rare complex calcium yttrium aluminum silicate fluoride mineral that typically forms sharp, translucent octahedral crystals. It is most often found in hydrothermal deposits and rare-earth enriched pegmatites, frequently associated with fluorite. Collectors value it for its geometric perfection and its unique position as a member of a rare mineral group.
Is this chukhrovite-(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 chukhrovite-(y) with a known reference. Chukhrovite-(Y) sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chukhrovite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Chukhrovite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, violet, pale blue.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals, sometimes rounded or as crusts.
Often confused with
Chukhrovite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside chukhrovite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with chukhrovite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₄YAlSi₂O₈(F,OH,H₂O)₁₃
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 2.27-2.4 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Octahedral Crystals, Sometimes Rounded or as Crusts
- Cleavage
- On {111}, Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins, Pegmatites
Where rockhounds find chukhrovite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Kara-Oba, Kazakhstan
- Katanga, DR Congo
- Harding Mine, New Mexico, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites country, the host setting where chukhrovite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing fluorite, quartz, mica in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals, sometimes rounded or as crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify chukhrovite-(y)?+
Where is chukhrovite-(y) found?+
What rocks look like chukhrovite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with chukhrovite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does chukhrovite-(y) form in?+
What is chukhrovite-(y) used for?+
Find chukhrovite-(y) on the map
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