Lusernaite-(Y) is an extremely rare yttrium-aluminum carbonate mineral first discovered in the granite pegmatites of Luserna, Italy. It typically forms as small, delicate tabular crystals or radiating sprays within pockets of altered feldspar. Collectors value it for its high yttrium content and its unique status as a specific type locality mineral.
Is this lusernaite-(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 lusernaite-(y) with a known reference. Lusernaite-(Y) sits at Mohs 4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lusernaite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Lusernaite-(Y) typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, radiating aggregates.
Often found alongside lusernaite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with lusernaite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Y₄Al₂(CO₃)(OH)₁₂F₂·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 2.81 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Radiating Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}, Less Perfect On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
Where rockhounds find lusernaite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Luserna San Giovanni, Piedmont, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country, the host setting where lusernaite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, k-feldspar, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify lusernaite-(y)?+
Where is lusernaite-(y) found?+
What minerals are found with lusernaite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does lusernaite-(y) form in?+
What is lusernaite-(y) used for?+
Find lusernaite-(y) on the map
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