There are 75 minerals that start with the letter Y. From Yacogonite to Yvonite. Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a defined chemical composition and a crystalline structure. They are the building blocks of rocks and are classified based on their chemical properties, crystal structure, and texture. Minerals form through a variety of geological processes, including crystallization from molten rock, precipitation from solutions, and metamorphism under high pressure and temperature. They are essential not only for geological processes but also for many industrial applications and are critical for life, serving as nutrients in biological systems.
An intriguing fact about minerals is that some larval insects use mineral particles from the environment to enhance their camouflage, adapting to their surroundings for protection against predators. This innovative use of minerals demonstrates the complex interactions between organisms and their natural habitats.
Here’s what each of the columns in the table means:
Column Name: This column indicates the specific chemical elements or compounds that make up the mineral, defining its identity and properties.
Mohs hardness: This column provides a numerical scale from 1 to 10 that ranks the hardness of the mineral based on its ability to scratch or be scratched by other substances.
Common uses: This column outlines the various applications or industries where the mineral is utilized, highlighting its practical importance in everyday life and technology.
Description: This column includes a brief overview of the mineral’s appearance, characteristics, and unique features, providing essential information for identification and understanding its role in geology and industry.
Minerals That Start With Y
| Minerals | chemical composition | Mohs hardness | common uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yacogonite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2.5-3(2.5) | None |
| Yadokari | Hydrous silicate of calcium, iron, and aluminum | 5-6(5.0) | Collector’s specimens |
| Yafsoanite | (Ca,Zn,Mn)(Ti,Fe3+)2O5 | 5-6(5.5) | None |
| Yahyaite | Al(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | None |
| Yailinite | Hydrous iron silicate | 6-7(6.5) | Collector’s specimens |
| Yakoff | Vanadium-bearing beryl | 7.5-8(8.0) | Collector’s specimens |
| Yakutatite | Mn2+Mn3+2O5 | 5.5-6(5.75) | None |
| Yakutite | (Ce,La,Nd,Th)SiO4 | 5-6(5.5) | Gemstone |
| Yalgoodite | Ca(Fe2+,Mg)6(CO3)6(OH)6�6H2O | 2.5-3.0(2.75) | none |
| Yalodabite | Cu3Bi(AsO4)2(OH)4 | 3-4(3.5) | None |
| Yamaskite | Hydrous nickel silicate | 3-4(3.5) | Collector’s specimens |
| Yamatoite | (Y,REE)AlO3 | 6.0-7.0(6.5) | research, electronics |
| Yamatolite | Ca2(VO4)(OH) | 4-5(4.5) | None |
| Yambaite | NaBa2(UO2)3(V2O8)2�8-10H2O | 3-4(3.5) | None |
| Yamichite | Cu2+(VO4)�2H2O | 3.5-4.0(3.75) | research |
| Yamulkite | Cu2+3(AsO4)(OH)4 | 3-4(3.5) | None |
| Yanarsite | Hydrous nickel silicate | 3-4(3.5) | Collector’s specimens |
| Yankovichite | Ca2(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2.0-3.0(2.5) | none |
| Yanomamite | Hydrous nickel silicate | 3-4(3.5) | Collector’s specimens |
| Yaontolite | Yarrowite | Yavellite | Yaxleyite |
| Yarlongite | Cu2+Fe3+2(VO4)2(OH)2 | 3-4(3.5) | None |
| Yarrowite | Copper iron sulfide | 4-5(4.5) | Collector’s specimens |
| Yatebolite | Pb(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2.5-3(2.75) | None |
| Yatessite | Hydrous aluminum silicate | 6-7(6.5) | Collector’s specimens |
| Yatsenkoite-(Ce) | (Ce,La)(CO3)F | 3-4(3.5) | None |
| Yavapaiite | KFe(SO4)2 | 3-4(3.5) | None |
| Yavapaite | Hydrous iron phosphate | 3-4(3.5) | Collector’s specimens |
| Yazganite | Hydrous iron silicate | 4-5(4.5) | Collector’s specimens |
| Yeatmanite | Hydrous copper iron silicate | 5-6(5.5) | Collector’s specimens |
| Yedlinite | Pb2U(VO4)2(OH)2�4H2O | 3-4(3.5) | None |
| Yellowbite | Cu2+(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 3-4(3.5) | None |
| Yellowcake | U3O8 | 2.0-3.0(2.5) | nuclear fuel, military |
| Yellowite | Hydrous calcium iron silicate | 5-6(5.5) | Collector’s specimens |
| Yeniseyite | Hydrous chromium silicate | 6.5-7(7.0) | Collector’s specimens |
| Yenworthite | Hydrous copper aluminum phosphate | 5-6(5.5) | Collector’s specimens |
| Yeomansite | Mn5Ge3 | 5.0-6.0(5.5) | none |
| Yftisite-(Y) | (Y,Yb)Al3(BO3)4 | 7.0-8.0(7.5) | research |
| Yimengite | Hydrous chromium silicate | 6-7(6.5) | Collector’s specimens |
| Yingjiangite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2.5-3(2.75) | None |
| Yinnisite | Na2Cu2+(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 3-4(3.5) | None |
| Yoderite | Hydrous magnesium iron silicate | 6-7(6.5) | Collector’s specimens |
| Yofortierite | Mn2+2Mn3+2O5(OH) | 5.5-6(5.75) | None |
| Yoshimuraite | Hydrous barium titanium silicate | 5-6(5.5) | Collector’s specimens |
| Yoshiokaite | Ca2Cu2+(AsO4)2�2H2O | 3.5-4(3.75) | None |
| Yoshiyukiite | NaCa2(UO2)3(VO4)3�8-10H2O | 3-4(3.5) | None |
| Yotsukaite | Cu2+Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O | 2.5-3(2.75) | None |
| Ypresite | KAl(SO4)2�12H2O | 2.0-3.0(2.5) | fertilizers, mordants |
| Ytterbite-(Y) | (Y,HREE)SiO4 | 6-7(6.5) | Gemstone |
| Ytterbium | Silvery-white metallic element | 4-5(4.5) | Lasers, magnets, catalysts |
| Yttriaite-(Y) | Y2O3 | 8.5-9.0(8.75) | ceramics, catalysts |
| Yttrium | Silvery-white metallic element | 6-7(6.5) | Superconductors, lasers, phosphors |
| Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG) | Yttrium aluminum oxide | 8-9(8.5) | Lasers, optics |
| Yttrium Iron Garnet (YIG) | Yttrium iron oxide | 7-8(7.5) | Microwave devices, magnets |
| Yttrium Oxide | Yttrium oxide | 8-9(8.5) | Ceramics, phosphors, catalysts |
| Yttrium Silicate | Yttrium silicate | 7-8(7.5) | Ceramics, refractories |
| Yttrium Titanate | Yttrium titanium oxide | 5-6(5.5) | Ceramics, dielectrics |
| Yttrocolumbite-(Y) | (Y,REE)(Nb,Ta)O4 | 5-6(5.5) | None |
| Yttrocraigite | (Y,U,Th)(Ti,Nb,Ta)2O6 | 5.0-6.0(5.5) | none |
| Yttrocrasite-(Y) | (Y,REE,U,Th)(Ti,Nb,Fe)2O6 | 5-6(5.5) | None |
| Yttrodesilicite | Ca2Y2Si2O7(OH)2 | 5-6(5.5) | None |
| Yttroeuxenite | (Y,Ca,Ce)(Nb,Ti)2O6 | 5-6(5.5) | None |
| Yttrofluorite | (Ca,Y)F2 | 4-5(4.5) | Gemstone |
| Yttrogummite | (Y,U,Th)SiO4�nH2O | 5.0-6.0(5.5) | none |
| Yttrokeramite | (Y,REE)2(Ti,Nb)2O7 | 5.0-6.0(5.5) | none |
| Yttrolueshite | NaNd9(SiO4)6O2 | 5-6(5.5) | None |
| Yttropyrochlore | (Y,REE,U,Th)(Nb,Ti)2O6(O,OH,F) | 5-6(5.5) | None |
| Yttropyrochlore-(Y) | (Y,REE,U,Th)(Nb,Ti)2O6(OH,F) | 5.0-6.0(5.5) | none |
| Yttrotantalite-(Y) | (Y,REE)(Ta,Nb)O4 | 5-6(5.5) | None |
| Yttrotungstite | (Y,REE)WO4�H2O | 4.5-5.5(5.0) | none |
| Yuanfuliite | Ba3Ti2SiO9 | 5-6(5.5) | Ceramic, glass |
| Yuksporite | (Ca,Na)2(UO2)2(V04)2�6-8H2O | 2-3(2.5) | Uranium ore |
| Yumcorite | Pb2+Cu2+O2 | 3.5-4(3.75) | Pigment |
| Yurmarinite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2�5-8H2O | 3-4(3.5) | None |
| Yuzhniite | PbCl(OH) | 2-3(2.5) | Specialty applications |
| Yvonite | Mn2+Mn3+2O4 | 5-6(5.5) | Mineral collections |
Descriptions
Yacogonite
A radioactive uranium-vanadium mineral that forms yellow to green tabular crystals. Formed in oxidized uranium deposits.
Yadokari
A rare mineral found in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, it forms blue-green prismatic crystals and has a vitreous to greasy luster.
Yafsoanite
A rare titanium oxide mineral that forms yellowish-green to brown prismatic crystals. Found in manganese oxide deposits.
Yahyaite
A rare uranium-vanadium mineral that forms bright yellow to greenish-yellow tabular crystals. Occurs in oxidized uranium deposits.
Yailinite
A rare nickel-bearing iron silicate mineral that forms green octahedral crystals, found in Yailiin, Western Mongolia.
Yakoff
A rare variety of beryl colored by vanadium, forming green to bluish-green hexagonal crystals, discovered in Yakutia, Russia.
Yakutatite
A manganese oxide mineral that forms black prismatic crystals. Discovered in Alaska and named after the nearby Yakutat Bay.
Yakutite
A rare earth silicate mineral found in volcanic rocks of the Siberian Yakutia region. It has a distinct yellowish-green color and is sometimes used as a gemstone.
Yalgoodite
A rare hydrous calcium, iron and magnesium carbonate mineral found in evaporite deposits.
Yalodabite
A copper-bismuth arsenate mineral that forms blue to green crystals or crusts.
Yamaskite
A rare nickel silicate mineral that forms green to blue-green compact masses, found in Yamaska Mountain, Quebec, Canada.
Yamatoite
A rare yttrium-rich aluminum oxide mineral, related to perovskite, found in high-temperature metamorphic rocks.
Yamatolite
A rare vanadium mineral that forms pale yellow to white prismatic crystals. Found in metamorphic and hydrothermal deposits.
Yambaite
A rare uranium vanadate mineral that forms yellow to greenish-yellow crystals.
Yamichite
A rare copper vanadate mineral that forms bright green prismatic crystals.
Yamulkite
A copper arsenate mineral that forms blue to blue-green crystals or crusts.
Yanarsite
A rare nickel-bearing silicate mineral that forms green to bluish-green compact masses, discovered in Yanar, Turkey.
Yankovichite
A rare hydrous calcium uranium vanadate mineral, found in oxidized uranium deposits.
Yanomamite
A rare nickel-rich silicate mineral that forms green to blue-green compact masses, found in Yanomami, Brazil.
Yaontolite
Yelbartite
Yarlongite
A rare copper-iron vanadate mineral that forms blue-green crystals or crusts.
Yarrowite
A rare copper-iron sulfide mineral that forms bronze to brass-yellow crystals, discovered in Yarrow Creek, Canada.
Yatebolite
A radioactive uranium-vanadium mineral that forms bright yellow to greenish-yellow tabular crystals. Occurs in oxidized uranium deposits.
Yatessite
A rare aluminum silicate mineral that forms blue to green tabular crystals, found in Yates County, New York, USA.
Yatsenkoite-(Ce)
A rare cerium-bearing fluorocarbonate mineral that forms yellow to yellowish-brown crystals.
Yavapaiite
A potassium iron sulfate mineral that forms yellow to brown monoclinic crystals. Found in fumarolic deposits and volcanic environments.
Yavapaite
A rare iron phosphate mineral that forms yellow to green fibrous or earthy masses, discovered in Yavapai County, Arizona, USA.
Yazganite
A rare iron-rich silicate mineral that forms olive-green fibrous masses, found in Yazgan, Turkey.
Yeatmanite
A rare copper-iron silicate mineral that forms blue to green prismatic crystals, found in Yeatman’s Cove, Virginia, USA.
Yedlinite
A rare uranium-vanadium mineral that forms bright yellow to greenish-yellow tabular crystals. Occurs in oxidized uranium deposits.
Yellowbite
A secondary uranium vanadate mineral that forms yellow to yellowish-green crystals.
Yellowcake
A concentrated uranium oxide powder, the basic material for uranium fuel and nuclear weapons.
Yellowite
A rare calcium-iron silicate mineral that forms yellowish-green to brown prismatic crystals, discovered in Yellowstone National Park, USA.
Yeniseyite
A rare chromium-rich silicate mineral that forms green to bluish-green prismatic crystals, discovered in the Yenisei River, Russia.
Yenworthite
A rare copper-aluminum phosphate mineral that forms blue to green crystals, discovered in Yenworth Mine, New Mexico, USA.
Yeomansite
A rare manganese germanium mineral found in manganese-bearing pegmatites.
Yftisite-(Y)
A rare yttrium-rich aluminum borate mineral found in high-temperature metamorphic rocks.
Yimengite
A rare chromium-rich silicate mineral that forms green to blue-green prismatic crystals, found in Yimeng Mountains, China.
Yingjiangite
A radioactive uranium-vanadium mineral that forms bright yellow to greenish-yellow tabular crystals. Found in oxidized uranium deposits.
Yinnisite
A rare sodium-copper uranium vanadate mineral that forms yellow to greenish-yellow crystals.
Yoderite
A rare magnesium-iron silicate mineral that forms colorless to pale green prismatic crystals, discovered in Yoder, Wyoming, USA.
Yofortierite
A rare manganese oxide mineral that forms black prismatic crystals. Discovered in a manganese deposit in Brazil.
Yoshimuraite
A rare barium-titanium silicate mineral that forms pale green to white prismatic crystals, found in Yoshimura, Japan.
Yoshiokaite
A rare copper arsenic mineral that forms blue to green prismatic crystals. Found in oxidized copper deposits.
Yoshiyukiite
A radioactive uranium-vanadium mineral that forms bright yellow to greenish-yellow tabular crystals. Occurs in oxidized uranium deposits.
Yotsukaite
A rare uranium-vanadium mineral that forms bright yellow to greenish-yellow tabular crystals. Found in oxidized copper-uranium deposits.
Ypresite
A rare hydrous potassium aluminum sulfate mineral found in evaporite deposits.
Ytterbite-(Y)
A rare earth silicate mineral in the xenotime group. It forms pale yellow to brownish-yellow prismatic crystals and is occasionally used as a minor gemstone.
Ytterbium
A rare earth metal with a silvery-white appearance, used in specialized applications like lasers, magnets, and catalysts.
Yttriaite-(Y)
A rare yttrium oxide mineral that forms yellow to brown crystals.
Yttrium
A rare earth metal with a silvery-white appearance, used in various high-tech applications such as superconductors, lasers, and phosphors.
Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG)
A synthetic gemstone material used in laser technology and optical applications due to its hardness, transparency, and optical properties.
Yttrium Iron Garnet (YIG)
A synthetic magnetic material used in various electronic and microwave devices due to its unique magnetic properties.
Yttrium Oxide
A rare earth oxide used in the production of specialized ceramics, phosphors, and catalysts, often in combination with other elements.
Yttrium Silicate
A rare earth silicate mineral used in the manufacture of high-temperature ceramics and refractory materials.
Yttrium Titanate
A synthetic yttrium titanium oxide material used in the production of specialized ceramic and dielectric components.
Yttrocolumbite-(Y)
A rare yttrium-bearing niobium-tantalum oxide mineral that forms dark brown to black prismatic crystals. Occurs in pegmatites and granitic rocks.
Yttrocraigite
A rare yttrium, uranium, thorium, titanium, niobium and tantalum oxide mineral found in pegmatites.
Yttrocrasite-(Y)
A rare yttrium-bearing titanium oxide mineral that forms dark brown to black prismatic crystals. Occurs in pegmatites and granitic rocks.
Yttrodesilicite
A rare yttrium silicate mineral that forms yellow to brown prismatic crystals. Found in metamorphic and hydrothermal deposits.
Yttroeuxenite
A rare yttrium-bearing niobium-titanium oxide mineral that forms black to brownish-black crystals.
Yttrofluorite
A yttrium-rich variety of the mineral fluorite that forms pale to bright yellow cubic crystals. Used as a gemstone and in optical applications.
Yttrogummite
A rare hydrous yttrium, uranium and thorium silicate mineral found in pegmatites.
Yttrokeramite
A rare yttrium and rare earth titanium niobium oxide mineral found in pegmatites.
Yttrolueshite
A rare neodymium silicate mineral that forms yellow to brown prismatic crystals. Occurs in metamorphic and hydrothermal deposits.
Yttropyrochlore
A rare yttrium-bearing niobium oxide mineral that forms dark brown to black cubic crystals. Found in pegmatites and granitic rocks.
Yttropyrochlore-(Y)
A rare yttrium, rare earth, uranium and thorium niobium titanium oxide mineral found in pegmatites.
Yttrotantalite-(Y)
A rare yttrium-bearing tantalum-niobium oxide mineral that forms dark brown to black prismatic crystals. Found in pegmatites and granitic rocks.
Yttrotungstite
A rare hydrous yttrium and rare earth tungstate mineral found in pegmatites.
Yuanfuliite
A rare barium titanium silicate mineral that forms white to pale yellow crystals. It has potential uses in the production of specialized ceramics and glass.
Yuksporite
A hydrous calcium-sodium uranyl vanadate mineral that forms as green to yellow-green crystals. It is a minor uranium ore mineral found in hydrothermal deposits.
Yumcorite
A rare lead-copper oxide mineral with a distinctive bright green color. It has been used historically as a green pigment and is found in oxidized copper deposits.
Yurmarinite
A secondary uranium vanadate mineral that forms yellow to greenish-yellow crystals.
Yuzhniite
A rare lead chloride hydroxide mineral that forms pale yellow to colorless tabular crystals. It has limited specialty applications due to its rarity.
Yvonite
A manganese oxide mineral that forms black, metallic-looking crystals. It is primarily of interest to mineral collectors and has no significant commercial uses.
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