Yttriaite-(Y)

yttriaite-(Y)

tungsten

zircon

osmium

Images

Formula: Y₂O₃
Valence: Y³⁺₂O^2-₃
Simple oxide of yttrium
Crystal system: Isometric
Specific gravity: 5.073 calculated
Hardness: 5 to 6
Streak: White
Colour: White
Environments

Sedimentary environments

Localities

At the type locality, the Bolshaya Polya River, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia, yttriaite-(Y) occurs in alluvial deposits as isolated crystals, typically cubo-octahedra less than 6 µm in size, embedded in massive native tungsten. Associated minerals include copper, zircon, osmium, gold and pyrite.
Synthetic Y₂O₃ crystals are colourless to white with a white streak, and transparent with an adamantine lustre; massive Y₂O₃ is typically translucent with an earthy lustre (AM 96.7.1166-1170).
The yttriaite-(Y) occurs in fluvial (found in a river) placer sediment derived from older inter-layered sandstones (HOM).
Yttriaite-(Y) from the Bolshaya Polya River - Image

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