Yakovenchukite-(Y) is an exceptionally rare silicate mineral found in the hyper-agpaitic pegmatites of the Khibiny Massif. Collectors typically look for small, transparent prismatic crystals occurring within cavities alongside other rare alkaline minerals.
Is this yakovenchukite-(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 yakovenchukite-(y) with a known reference. Yakovenchukite-(Y) sits at Mohs ~5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, creamy.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular, bladed.
Often confused with
Yakovenchukite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside yakovenchukite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with yakovenchukite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₃NaCaY₂Si₁₂O₃₀·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- ~5
- Density
- 2.83 g/cm³
- Colors
- ColorlessCreamy
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular, bladed
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {100}, distinct on {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In voids in a thin (3.4 cm) sodalite-aegirine-microcline veinlet cutting ijolite-urtite
Where rockhounds find yakovenchukite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Mt. Kukisvumchorr, Khibiny alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In voids in a thin (3.4 cm) sodalite-aegirine-microcline veinlet cutting ijolite-urtite. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: acicular, bladed. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify yakovenchukite-(y)?+
Where is yakovenchukite-(y) found?+
What rocks look like yakovenchukite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with yakovenchukite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does yakovenchukite-(y) form in?+
What is yakovenchukite-(y) used for?+
Find yakovenchukite-(y) on the map
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