Aeschynite-(Y)
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Aeschynite-(Y)
Formula:
Y(TiNb)O6
Previously given as (Y,Ln,Ca,Th)(Ti,Nb)2(O,OH)6. Redefined in 2025.
Colour:
Pale yellow, yellow-orange, pale greenish yellow, black, brownish black
Lustre:
Resinous, Waxy, Pearly, Sub-Metallic
Hardness:
5 - 6
Specific Gravity:
4.82 - 4.93
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Member of:
Name:
For its relationship to Aeschynite-(Ce), with yttrium as the dominant rare-earth element. First named in 1906 as blomstrandine by Waldemar Christofer Brøgger, in honor of Christian Wilhelm Blomstrand [October 20, 1826 Växjö, Sweden – November 5, 1897 Lund, Sweden], professor of chemistry at the University of Lund, who did the chemical analysis. Brøgger had earlier published a crystallographic description of this material in 1879 from Urstad Feldspar Mine, Hidra, Vest-Agder, Norway but then without a chemical analysis. He first thought it to be identical with aeschynite (From Miask, which later was named aeschynite-(Ce)). Later, in his description in 1906 he states that the blomstrandine from Hitterö was a "Yttrium-Aeschynit".
The mineral was later renamed Aeschynite-(Y) by the IMA in 1987 following Levinson (1966).
The mineral was later renamed Aeschynite-(Y) by the IMA in 1987 following Levinson (1966).
Type Locality:
The yttrium analogue of Aeschynite-(Ce).
The most common Aeschynite Group mineral.
Some black varieties may be confused with chemically similar members of the Euxenite Group.
Compare the chemically very similar Euxenite-(Y) which has different space-group symmetry. Compare also Fergusonite-(Y).
The most common Aeschynite Group mineral.
Some black varieties may be confused with chemically similar members of the Euxenite Group.
Compare the chemically very similar Euxenite-(Y) which has different space-group symmetry. Compare also Fergusonite-(Y).
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
39
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:39:6
IMA Classification of Aeschynite-(Y)
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA status notes:
Renamed by the IMA
First published:
1879
Approval history:
Renamed by IMA in 1987 (special procedure) as aeschynite-(Y).
Classification of Aeschynite-(Y)
4.DF.05
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
D : Metal: Oxygen = 1:2 and similar
F : With large (+- medium-sized) cations; dimers and trimers of edgesharing octahedra
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
D : Metal: Oxygen = 1:2 and similar
F : With large (+- medium-sized) cations; dimers and trimers of edgesharing octahedra
8.3.6.3
8 : MULTIPLE OXIDES CONTAINING NIOBIUM,TANTALUM OR TITANIUM
3 : AB2O6
8 : MULTIPLE OXIDES CONTAINING NIOBIUM,TANTALUM OR TITANIUM
3 : AB2O6
18.2.15
18 : Niobates and Tantalates
2 : Niobates and tantalates containing rare earths but not U
18 : Niobates and Tantalates
2 : Niobates and tantalates containing rare earths but not U
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
| Symbol | Source | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Aes-Y | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
| Aes-(Y) | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) The Canadian Mineralogist list of symbols for rock- and ore-forming minerals (December 30, 2019). download |
Physical Properties of Aeschynite-(Y)
Resinous, Waxy, Pearly, Sub-Metallic
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Comment:
Submetallic to pearly on crystal faces, resinous to waxy on fracture surfaces.
Colour:
Pale yellow, yellow-orange, pale greenish yellow, black, brownish black
Streak:
White, pale yellow, reddish yellow
Hardness:
5 - 6 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
on {100}, {010} and {001}
on {100}, {010} and {001}
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven
Density:
4.82 - 4.93 g/cm3 (Measured) 5.5 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Aeschynite-(Y)
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 2.19 - 2.28 nβ = 2.21 - 2.3 nγ = 2.34 - 2.5
2V:
Measured: 70° to 80°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.150 - 0.220
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
r > v, strong
Chemistry of Aeschynite-(Y)
Mindat Formula:
Y(TiNb)O6
Previously given as (Y,Ln,Ca,Th)(Ti,Nb)2(O,OH)6. Redefined in 2025.
Previously given as (Y,Ln,Ca,Th)(Ti,Nb)2(O,OH)6. Redefined in 2025.
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Chemical Analysis
Oxide wt%:
| 1 | |
|---|---|
| Nb2O5 | 17.99 % |
| Ta2O5 | 0.89 % |
| TiO2 | 32.91 % |
| SnO2 | 0.12 % |
| SiO2 | 0.38 % |
| UO2 | 4.01 % |
| ThO2 | 7.69 % |
| (Y,Er)2O3 | 28.76 % |
| (Ce,La,Di)2O3 | 1.97 % |
| FeO | 1.48 % |
| MnO | 0.27 % |
| CaO | 1.02 % |
| PbO | 0.06 % |
| MgO | 0.04 % |
| Na2O | 0.22 % |
| K2O | 0.19 % |
| H20 | 1.88 % |
| Total: | 99.88 % |
Sample references:
| ID | Type | Locality | Reference | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Type Specimen | Urstad Feldspar Mine, Hidra, Flekkefjord, Agder, Norway | Wet-chemical analysis by Blomstrand (in Brøgger 1879) |
Crystallography of Aeschynite-(Y)
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) - Dipyramidal
Space Group:
Pmna
Cell Parameters:
a = 7.47 Å, b = 10.98 Å, c = 5.18 Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.68 : 1 : 0.472
Unit Cell V:
424.87 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Crystals to 10 cm, commonly tabular, less commonly prismatic, forms {001}, {010}, {021}, {110}, {210} and {111}, also granular and massive
Crystal Structure
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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0006807 | Aeschynite-(Y) | Bonazzi P, Menchetti S (1999) Crystal chemistry of aeschynite-(Y) from the Western Alps: residual electron density on difference-Fourier map European Journal of Mineralogy 11 1043-1049 | 1999 | western Alps | 0 | 293 | |
| 0006808 | Aeschynite-(Y) | Bonazzi P, Menchetti S (1999) Crystal chemistry of aeschynite-(Y) from the Western Alps: residual electron density on difference-Fourier map European Journal of Mineralogy 11 1043-1049 | 1999 | western Alps | 0 | 293 | |
| 0006809 | Aeschynite-(Y) | Bonazzi P, Menchetti S (1999) Crystal chemistry of aeschynite-(Y) from the Western Alps: residual electron density on difference-Fourier map European Journal of Mineralogy 11 1043-1049 | 1999 | western Alps | 0 | 293 | |
| 0006810 | Aeschynite-(Y) | Bonazzi P, Menchetti S (1999) Crystal chemistry of aeschynite-(Y) from the Western Alps: residual electron density on difference-Fourier map - note: O1 z coordinate altered to match reported bond lengths European Journal of Mineralogy 11 1043-1049 | 1999 | western Alps | 0 | 293 | |
| 0006811 | Aeschynite-(Y) | Bonazzi P, Menchetti S (1999) Crystal chemistry of aeschynite-(Y) from the Western Alps: residual electron density on difference-Fourier map European Journal of Mineralogy 11 1043-1049 | 1999 | western Alps | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 5.27 Å | (4) |
| 4.34 Å | (5) |
| 2.902 Å | (10) |
| 2.715 Å | (5) |
| 2.503 Å | (4) |
| 1.059 Å | (7) |
| 1.051 Å | (7) |
Comments:
Sample from "Southern China"
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
| 34 : Complex granite pegmatites | |
| 36 : Carbonatites, kimberlites, and related igneous rocks |
Geological Setting:
In granite and granite pegmatites, in ankerite-dolomitic carbonatites, as a detrital mineral in placers.
Type Occurrence of Aeschynite-(Y)
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Granite pegmatite
Synonyms of Aeschynite-(Y)
Other Language Names for Aeschynite-(Y)
Dutch:Aeschyniet-(Y)
French:Aeschynite-(Y)
Italian:Aeschynite-(Y)
Norwegian:Æschynitt-(Y)
Russian:Эшинит-(Y)
Spanish:Eschinita-(Y)
Priorita
Priorita
Relationship of Aeschynite-(Y) to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Aeschynite Group:
| Aeschynite-(Ce) | Ce(TiNb)O6 | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pmna |
| Aeschynite-(Nd) | Nd(TiNb)O6 | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) |
| Rynersonite | CaTa2O6 | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) |
| Tantalaeschynite-(Ce) | Ce(TiTa)O6 | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnma |
| Tantalaeschynite-(Y) | Y(TiTa)O6 | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) |
| UM2001-09-O:CaNbREESiTiY | (Ca,Y,REE)(Ti,Nb,Si)2(O,OH)6 | |
| Vigezzite | CaNb2O6 | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnma |
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 29 photos of Aeschynite-(Y) associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 17 photos of Aeschynite-(Y) associated with Pyrite | FeS2 |
| 17 photos of Aeschynite-(Y) associated with Albite | Na(AlSi3O8) |
| 11 photos of Aeschynite-(Y) associated with Dolomite | CaMg(CO3)2 |
| 10 photos of Aeschynite-(Y) associated with Synchysite-(Ce) | CaCe(CO3)2F |
| 10 photos of Aeschynite-(Y) associated with Thortveitite | Sc2Si2O7 |
| 9 photos of Aeschynite-(Y) associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 7 photos of Aeschynite-(Y) associated with Rutile | TiO2 |
| 7 photos of Aeschynite-(Y) associated with Anatase | TiO2 |
| 7 photos of Aeschynite-(Y) associated with Clinochlore | Mg5Al(AlSi3O10)(OH)8 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 4.DF.05 | Aeschynite-(Ce) | Ce(TiNb)O6 |
| 4.DF.05 | Aeschynite-(Nd) | Nd(TiNb)O6 |
| 4.DF.05 | Tantalaeschynite-(Y) | Y(TiTa)O6 |
| 4.DF.05 | Vigezzite | CaNb2O6 |
| 4.DF.05 | Rynersonite | CaTa2O6 |
| 4.DF.10 | Changbaiite | PbNb2O6 |
| 4.DF.15 | Murataite-(Y) | (Y,Na)6Zn(Zn,Fe3+)4(Ti,Nb,Na)12O29(O,F,OH)10F4 |
Other Information
Notes:
magnetic
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Aeschynite-(Y)
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-39.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
References for Aeschynite-(Y)
Localities for Aeschynite-(Y)
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Austria | |
| Kolitsch (2017) |
| Kolitsch et al. (SXRD and EDS) +1 other reference |
| Kolitsch et al. (2018) | |
| U. Kolitsch (SXRD-analysis) +1 other reference |
| Strasser (1989) | |
| Strasser (1989) | |
| Frank Schimak collection |
| Strasser (1989) |
| Steiner&Melcher (2020) |
| Horst Schabereiter collection |
| J. Brugger et al. (2017) | |
| Preite D. (1986) |
| Preite (2012) | |
| - (n.d.) |
| Neschen (n.d.) |
| Fischer (1977) +1 other reference | |
| Fischer (1977) +2 other references | |
| Folie et al. (1999) |
| Exel (1993) |
Canada | |
| Seidler et al. (2005) |
| Papoutsa et al. (2013) |
| |
| Ontario Ministry of Northern ... +1 other reference |
| MDI Number: MDI31E11NE00070 |
| |
| ontariominerals.com | |
| |
China | |
| Wu et al. (2021) +1 other reference |
| Deqian Chen et al. (1994) +1 other reference |
| Dianhao Huang et al. (1984) |
| YIN et al. (2021) |
Czech Republic | |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) | |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
Eswatini | |
| Cassiterite +2 other references |
Finland | |
| |
France | |
| De Ascençao Guedes et al. (2000) |
| De Ascenção Guedes et al. (2002) | |
| Gatel (1990) |
| Georges FAVREAU collection & EDX ... |
Germany | |
| Witzke et al. (2008) |
| Witzke et al. (2013) |
| Witzke et al. (2013) | |
| Witzke et al. (2013) |
Greece | |
| Rieck et al. (2018) |
| Uwe Kolitsch (unpubl. SEM-EDS results) | |
Italy | |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) | |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) | |
| Bracco et al. (2006) |
| Castellaro-Vignola |
| Martinelli (2013) |
| Bedognè et al. (1993) |
| Marchesini et al. (2025) +1 other reference | |
| Bedogné et al. (1995) |
| Guastoni A. +1 other reference |
| Guastoni et al. (2004) |
| Piccoli et al. (2004) |
| Piccoli (2002) +2 other references |
| Piccoli (2002) +2 other references | |
| Piccoli (2002) |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) |
| Franco Luca Bonino's collection |
| Finello et al. (2007) | |
| Finello et al. (2007) | |
| Anthony et al. (1997) |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... | |
| Pezzotta et al. (1999) |
| Weiß (1983) |
| //doi.org/10.57635/MICRO.2025.23.20 |
| Rivista Mineralogica Italiana (1) |
| Guastoni et al. (2019) | |
| Cuchet et al. (2016) |
| Cuchet et al. (2016) | |
| Cuchet et al. (2016) | |
| Cuchet et al. (2016) | |
| Cuchet et al. (2016) +1 other reference | |
| Cuchet et al. (2016) | |
| Rivista Mineralogica Italiana |
| Fernando Caboni et al. (2023) +2 other references |
| SEM-EDS identification |
| Folie K. Rocchetti I. (1999) +1 other reference |
| Buscaroli et al. (1994) | |
| Ferretti et al. (2015) |
| Vecchi et al. (2013) |
Japan | |
| Nishio-Hamane et al. (2024) |
| The Mineral Species of Japan (5th ed) |
| Hiromi Yamasaki collection +1 other reference |
| The Mineral Species of Japan (5th ed) |
Madagascar | |
| Tiziano Luzi collection & photo ( photo id 1095865) |
| Behier (1963) |
| Guigues (1955) |
| Behier (1963) |
| Behier (1963) |
| Behier (1958) +1 other reference |
| Behier (1963) |
Mexico | |
| Prol-Ledesma et al. (2012) |
Mongolia | |
| Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) +2 other references |
Mozambique | |
| Moiana (2010) |
Namibia | |
| Harmer et al. (2016) |
Norway | |
| Brøgger (1906) |
| Brøgger (1906) | |
| Butler (1958) |
| - (n.d.) |
| - (n.d.) |
| Adamson (1942) |
| Adamson (1942) | |
| Adamson (1942) +1 other reference | |
| Adamson (1942) | |
| Adamson (1942) | |
| Brøgger (1879) +3 other references |
| Adamson (1942) | |
| Wilke (1976) |
| Bonazzi et al. (2002) | |
| Anthony et al. (1997) | |
| Neumann et al. (1960) |
| Sascha Gemballa collection & photo (Photo-id 837394) | |
| Revheim (2004) | |
| EX collection Geological Institute | |
| Iveland municipality collection # 156 | |
| Bjørlykke (1930) +1 other reference |
| Ronald Werner | |
| Hansen (2001) | |
| Breivik et al. (2010) | |
| Hansen (2001) | |
| Stensrud (2009) | |
| Brøgger (1906) |
| Andersen (1926) +1 other reference |
| Anonymous (1982) |
| Garmo et al. (2017) |
| Husdal (2023) |
| Kristiansen (2010) |
Poland | |
| Matyszczak (2018) |
| Kozłowski et al. (2016) | |
Romania | |
| Szakáll et al. (2010) |
Russia | |
| Anthony et al. (1997) |
| Murzin et al. (2018) |
| webmineral.ru (2020) +1 other reference |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... | |
| Zozulya +5 other references |
| Pavel M. Kartashov collection | |
| Macdonald et al. (2022) | |
| Trunilina et al. (2022) |
| |
| Kovalev et al. (2023) |
Saudi Arabia | |
| Küster (2009) |
Slovakia | |
| Koděra (1986) |
South Korea | |
| Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) |
Spain | |
| Dill et al. (2023) |
| Dill et al. (2023) | |
| Alfonso et al. (2000) |
| & locality references +1 other reference | |
Sweden | |
| See above. |
| Nysten (1996) |
| Natural History Museum |
| Kjellman (1996) |
Switzerland | |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
| Stalder et al. (1998) | |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
| Stalder et al. (1998) | |
| Anthony et al. (1997) |
| Kipfer et al. (1979) +1 other reference | |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... |
| Cuchet et al. (2003) +1 other reference |
| Cuchet et al. (2017) |
| van der Burgt et al. (2005) | |
| de Wit et al. (1996) | |
| Cuchet et al. (2022) | |
| Stephan Wolfsried collection (EDS G. Blaß, SXRD U. Kolitsch) |
| |
| Stalder et al. (1998) | |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
| Cuchet et al. (2014) +2 other references |
| Cuchet et al. (2014) | |
| S Wolfsried collection | |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
| Berger et al. (2013) |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
Ukraine | |
| Lazarenko E.K. e.a. Mineralogy of ... |
USA | |
| Philpotts et al. (1998) |
| Rocks & Min. (2007) |
| Henry Barwood - unpublished (2010) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| USGS Open-File Report 80-661 +1 other reference |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Meeves et al. (1966) |
| Snelgrove et al. (1943) +1 other reference |
| Michael N. Spilde et al. (2016) |
| Smith (2016) |
Quick NavTopAbout Aeschynite-(Y)Unique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Chemical AnalysisCrystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Lohning quarry, Rauris, Zell am See District, Salzburg, Austria