Okanoganite-(Y) is an exceptionally rare rare-earth element silicate mineral found primarily in alkaline pegmatites. It is typically identified by its tabular crystal habit and distinct tan to pale pink coloration in the field, often occurring in association with other rare accessory minerals in radioactive pegmatite environments.
Is this okanoganite-(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 okanoganite-(y) with a known reference. Okanoganite-(Y) sits at Mohs 4-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Okanoganite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Okanoganite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: tan, pale pink.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Okanoganite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Okanoganite-(Y) leaves white, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads vitreous on Okanoganite-(Y) and submetallic on Allanite.
How to tell apart: Gadolinite-(Y) is the harder of the two (Mohs 6.5-7 vs. 4-5); streak differs, so Okanoganite-(Y) leaves white, Gadolinite-(Y) leaves greenish gray.
Often found alongside okanoganite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with okanoganite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na,Ca)₃(Y,REE)₇(Si,B)₈O₂₄(F,OH)₁₀
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 4.25 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
Where rockhounds find okanoganite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Okanogan County, Washington, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country, the host setting where okanoganite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, zircon, fergusonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify okanoganite-(y)?+
Where is okanoganite-(y) found?+
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Find okanoganite-(y) on the map
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