Very small single crystal of the extremely rare REE mineral chukhrovite-(Y) from the type locality and only one of the three known localities worldwide: Kara Oba, Karaganda Oblast, Kazakhstan. — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0
Chukhrovite-(Y)
Chukhrovite-(Y) is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the sulfate class, with the chemical formula Ca₃YAl₂(SO₄)F₁₃·12H₂O.
It crystallizes in the cubic crystal system (space group Fd3). It is a member of the Chukhrovite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 3; specific gravity 2.27–2.4; Vitreous to pearly, greasy on fracture surfaces luster.
IMA symbol Chk-Y, IMA status: approved, named in 1960.
Found in the oxidation zone of a Mo–W deposit.
It is found associated with Halloysite, gearksutite, fluorite, creedite, anglesite, “limonite”.
The mineral was named to honor Fedor Vasil’evich Chukhrov (1908–1988), Russian mineralogist, Director, Institute of Geology of Ore Deposits, Petrology, Mineralogy, and Geochemistry, Moscow, Russia.