Samarskite-(Y) - Platte Canyon, Jefferson County, Colorado, USA

This specimen of Samarskite-(Y) hails from Platte Canyon in Jefferson County, Colorado—a locality known among collectors for yielding rare and well-crystallized niobium and yttrium-rich minerals. Samarskite-(Y) is a dark, heavy oxide mineral composed of complex rare earth elements, with this particular example exhibiting a black, submetallic luster and dense mass typical of the species. Often associated with granite pegmatites, this mineral is a sought-after addition to any systematic or rare earth element mineral collection due to its geochemical significance.

Its origins in the classic pegmatites of the Colorado Front Range enhance its appeal, especially as fine specimens from this locality have become increasingly scarce. Samarskite-(Y) not only tells a story of deep crustal magmatic processes but also reflects the historical mineral exploration of the American West. A must-have for collectors of rare earth or uranium-associated minerals, this piece bridges scientific value with mineralogical rarity.

Approx. specimen size: 80mm x 65mm x 30mm

Approx. specimen weight: 185.95 grams

Approx. specimen activity on an SE International Ranger EXP 700 cpm