Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) is a rare yttrium-bearing silicate mineral found in complex alkaline pegmatites. It typically occurs as small, clear to yellowish prismatic crystals and is primarily sought after by advanced mineral collectors specializing in rare-earth species.
Is this vyuntspakhkite-(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 vyuntspakhkite-(y) with a known reference. Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) sits at Mohs 6.5-7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) leaves white, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads adamantine on Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) and submetallic on Allanite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) leaves white, Gadolinite-(Y) leaves greenish gray; luster reads adamantine on Vyuntspakhkite-(Y) and vitreous on Gadolinite-(Y).
Often found alongside vyuntspakhkite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with vyuntspakhkite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Y₄Al₂(SiO₄)₂(OH)₈
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5-7
- Density
- 4.02 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
Where rockhounds find vyuntspakhkite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country, the host setting where vyuntspakhkite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify vyuntspakhkite-(y)?+
Where is vyuntspakhkite-(y) found?+
What rocks look like vyuntspakhkite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with vyuntspakhkite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does vyuntspakhkite-(y) form in?+
What is vyuntspakhkite-(y) used for?+
Find vyuntspakhkite-(y) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
