Minerals identify

Know how to recognize them

Thortveitite

Mineral

Thortveitite is a mineral yttrium (Sc,Y)2Si2O7. It is the primary source of scandium. It was named after Olaus Thortveit engineer. It is grayish-green, black or gray in color.

A transparent gem quality example was found in 2004, and reported in "The Journal of Gemmology", 2008 Volume 31.

The mineral is actually a uniform mixture of oxides of silicon, scandium, and yttrium. It isn't a true compound in itself.

Identification

Mohs scale ( mineral hardness )

5
6

Luster ( interacts light )

Vitreous

Crystal ( diaphaneity )

Monoclinic