SAMARSKITE-Y (AMPANGABEITE) (miniature)

Samarskite is a series of rare earth minerals that includes samarskite-(Y) and samarskite-(Yb). The chemical composition of samarskite-(Y) is represented as (YFe3+Fe2+U,Th,Ca)2(Nb,Ta)2O8, while samarskite-(Yb) has the formula (YbFe3+)2(Nb,Ta)2O8. An alternative representation for samarskite-(Y) is (Y,Fe3+,U)(Nb,Ta)O4.

This mineral crystallizes in the orthorhombic-dipyramidal class, typically appearing as black to yellowish-brown stubby prisms, although it is more commonly found in anhedral forms. Specimens with elevated uranium levels often exhibit metamict characteristics and are covered with a yellow-brown earthy coating.

Samarskite is primarily located in granite pegmatites rich in rare earth elements, where it is found alongside other rare minerals such as columbite, zircon, monazite, uraninite, aeschynite, magnetite, albite, topaz, beryl, garnet, muscovite, and biotite. The mineral was first identified in 1847 from a site in Miass, located in the Ilmen Mountains of the Southern Ural region of Russia. The element samarium was isolated from samarskite in 1879, and it was named in honor of Colonel Vasili Samarsky-Bykhovets, a Russian mining official.

Samarskite-(Yb) was identified more recently, in 2004, from a site in the South Platte Pegmatite District in Jefferson County, Colorado.

Please note, before purchasing this specimen, that customs could hold back your purchase and fine you. Special T&C's apply for this mineral.