Gadolinite-(y)
Gadolinite-(Y)
A variety of Minerals
What is Gadolinite-(y)?
Gadolinite, sometimes known as ytterbite, is a silicate mineral consisting principally of the silicates of cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, yttrium, beryllium, and iron with the formula (Ce,La,Nd,Y)2FeBe2Si2O10. It is called gadolinite-(Ce) or gadolinite-(Y), depending on the prominent composing element (Y if yttrium predominates, and Ce if cerium). It may contain 35.5% yttria sub-group rare earths, 2.2% ceria earths, as much as to 11.6% BeO, and traces of thorium. It is found in Sweden, Norway, and the US (Texas and Colorado).
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Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Gadolinite-(y)
Gadolinite is fairly rare and typically occurs as well-formed crystals. It is nearly black in color and has a vitreous luster. The hardness is between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs scale, and the specific gravity is between 4.0 and 4.7. It fractures in a conchoidal pattern and streaks grayish-green. It was also thought to exhibit pyrognomic properties, as it can emit visible light when heated to relatively low temperatures, but the scientific consensus is that this is the product of thermoluminescence
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Black, greenish-black, brown
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6.5 - 7
- Density
- 4.41 g/cm³
- Streak
- Grayish green
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Y2Fe2+Be2Si2O10 Often slightly radioactive due to minor U and/or Th contents; therefore often metamict.
- Elements
- Be, Fe, O, Si, Y
Also Known As
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