Samarskite-(Y) - Mitchell County, North Carolina, USA

YFe³⁺Nb₂O₈

Samarskite-(Y) is a rare and complex oxide mineral rich in yttrium, niobium, tantalum, and uranium, with the general formula $(Y,REE,U,Fe)(Nb,Ta,Ti)_2O_8$. Found in Mitchell County, North Carolina, this mineral is highly valued for its unique chemistry and associations with pegmatitic environments. Samarskite-(Y) often forms as black to brownish-black, submetallic crystals or massive forms with a high density and a conchoidal to uneven fracture. Over time, weathered specimens may develop a distinctive reddish-brown alteration due to the oxidation of uranium and other elements.

Mitchell County, located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, is renowned for its rich deposits of rare earth minerals, particularly in its granitic pegmatites. Samarskite-(Y) occurs within these pegmatitic rocks, often in association with other rare minerals such as zircon, monazite, and columbite. The geological conditions in this region, which include slow cooling of molten rock and the concentration of heavy elements, create an ideal environment for the crystallization of samarskite and related minerals.

Specimens from Mitchell County are significant for their mineralogical and scientific value. Samarskite-(Y) is a major source of rare earth elements and niobium, both of which are crucial in high-tech applications such as electronics, superconductors, and advanced alloys. Its uranium content also makes it a subject of radiometric dating studies, providing valuable insights into the geological history of the region. Additionally, samarskite’s ability to accommodate a wide variety of elements in its structure makes it an intriguing subject for research on crystal chemistry and mineral stability.

Approx. specimen size: 80mm x 40mm x 35mm

Approx. specimen activity on an SE International Ranger EXP: 64000 cpm