Synchysite-(Y)
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Synchysite-(Y)
Formula:
CaY(CO3)2F
Colour:
White, reddish brown, greyish yellow, dull yellow; colourless to light yellow in transmitted light
Lustre:
Sub-Adamantine, Vitreous, Greasy
Hardness:
6 - 6½
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
From the Greek σύγχΰσις "synchys" for "confounding" in allusion to its initially being mistaken for parisite, and the "-(Y)" suffix due to the dominance of yttrium in the composition.
Type Locality:
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3855
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3855:9
Similar Names
| Synchisite | A synonym of 'Synchysite' | |
| Synchysite-(Ce) | A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered | CaCe(CO3)2F |
| Synchysite-(La) | Valid as an unnamed mineral | Ca(La,Nd)(CO3)2F |
| Synchysite-(Nd) | A valid IMA mineral species | CaNd(CO3)2F |
IMA Classification of Synchysite-(Y)
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA status notes:
Renamed by the IMA
Classification of Synchysite-(Y)
5.BD.20c
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
B : Carbonates with additional anions, without H2O
D : With rare earth elements (REE)
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
B : Carbonates with additional anions, without H2O
D : With rare earth elements (REE)
16a.1.3.2
16a : ANHYDROUS CARBONATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
1 : (AB)(XO3)Zq
16a : ANHYDROUS CARBONATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
1 : (AB)(XO3)Zq
12.1.14
12 : Carbonates with other anions
1 : Carbonates with halides
12 : Carbonates with other anions
1 : Carbonates with halides
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Syn-Y | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
| Syn | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) The Canadian Mineralogist list of symbols for rock- and ore-forming minerals (December 30, 2019). download |
Physical Properties of Synchysite-(Y)
Sub-Adamantine, Vitreous, Greasy
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
White, reddish brown, greyish yellow, dull yellow; colourless to light yellow in transmitted light
Streak:
Light brown
Hardness:
6 - 6½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Parting:
On {0001} ?
Fracture:
Splintery, Sub-Conchoidal
Optical Data of Synchysite-(Y)
Type:
Biaxial
RI values:
nα = 1.653 nγ = 1.73
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.077
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
relatively strong
Pleochroism:
Weak
Comments:
Absorption E greater than O.
Chemistry of Synchysite-(Y)
Mindat Formula:
CaY(CO3)2F
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Synchysite-(Y)
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
B2/b
Setting:
C2/c
Cell Parameters:
a = 12.039(3) Å, b = 6.950(1) Å, c = 18.436(6) Å
β = 102.45(2)°
β = 102.45(2)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.732 : 1 : 2.653
Unit Cell V:
1,506.29 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
12
Morphology:
Crystals acute rhombohedral with small {0001}, or thick tabular {0001} and hemimorphic (ditrigonal-pyramidal). {0001} smooth and brilliant; lateral faces striated horizontally.
Twinning:
On {0001} common also lamellar.
Comment:
Also given as space group P-6c2, a = 7.091, c = 18.2 Å. Pseudo-cell: R3, a ~ 7.0, c ~ 54.1 Å.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 1.89 Å | (100) |
| 2.00 Å | (90) |
| 1.83 Å | (90) |
| 1.37 Å | (90) |
| 2.75 Å | (80) |
| 3.47 Å | (70) |
| 1.26 Å | (70) |
Comments:
Cotopaxi, Colorado, USA.
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
| 34 : Complex granite pegmatites | |
| 35 : Ultra-alkali and agpaitic igneous rocks | |
| 36 : Carbonatites, kimberlites, and related igneous rocks |
Type Occurrence of Synchysite-(Y)
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
No defined type material.
Synonyms of Synchysite-(Y)
Other Language Names for Synchysite-(Y)
Relationship of Synchysite-(Y) to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Synchysite Group:
| Huanghoite-(Ce) | BaCe(CO3)2F | Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3m |
| Huanghoite-(Nd) | BaNd(CO3)2F | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| 'Hydroxylsynchysite-(Ce)' | Ca(Ce,La)(CO3)2(OH) | |
| Synchysite-(Ce) | CaCe(CO3)2F | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| 'Synchysite-(La)' | Ca(La,Nd)(CO3)2F | |
| Synchysite-(Nd) | CaNd(CO3)2F | Orth. |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 19 photos of Synchysite-(Y) associated with Synchysite-(Ce) | CaCe(CO3)2F |
| 10 photos of Synchysite-(Y) associated with Albite | Na(AlSi3O8) |
| 10 photos of Synchysite-(Y) associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 7 photos of Synchysite-(Y) associated with Fluorite | CaF2 |
| 7 photos of Synchysite-(Y) associated with K Feldspar | |
| 6 photos of Synchysite-(Y) associated with Magnetite | Fe2+Fe3+2O4 |
| 6 photos of Synchysite-(Y) associated with Anatase | TiO2 |
| 6 photos of Synchysite-(Y) associated with Bastnäsite-(Ce) | Ce(CO3)F |
| 5 photos of Synchysite-(Y) associated with Chlorite Group | |
| 5 photos of Synchysite-(Y) associated with Hematite | Fe2O3 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 5.BD. | Cordylite-(La) | (Na,Ca)Ba(La,Ce,Sr)2(CO3)4F |
| 5.BD.05 | Cordylite-(Ce) | NaBaCe2(CO3)4F |
| 5.BD.05 | 'Unnamed (Cordylite-like Calcium-Barium-Cerium Carbonate-Fluoride)' | Ca◻Ba2Ce4[CO3]8F2 |
| 5.BD.05 | Lukechangite-(Ce) | Na3Ce2(CO3)4F |
| 5.BD.10 | 'Zhonghuacerite-(Ce)' | Ba2Ce(CO3)3F |
| 5.BD.10 | Kukharenkoite-(Ce) | Ba2Ce(CO3)3F |
| 5.BD.10 | Kukharenkoite-(La) | Ba2(La,Ce,Th)(CO3)3F |
| 5.BD.15 | Cebaite-(Ce) | Ba3Ce2(CO3)5F2 |
| 5.BD.15 | 'Cebaite-(Nd)' | Ba3(Nd,Ce)2(CO3)5F2 |
| 5.BD.18 | Arisite-(Ce) | NaCe2(CO3)2[F2x(CO3)1-x]F |
| 5.BD.18 | Arisite-(La) | NaLa2(CO3)2[F2x(CO3)1-x]F |
| 5.BD.20c | Synchysite-(Ce) | CaCe(CO3)2F |
| 5.BD.20c | Synchysite-(Nd) | CaNd(CO3)2F |
| 5.BD.20a | Bastnäsite-(Ce) | Ce(CO3)F |
| 5.BD.20b | Parisite-(Ce) | CaCe2(CO3)3F2 |
| 5.BD.20a | Bastnäsite-(La) | La(CO3)F |
| 5.BD.20b | Parisite-(Nd) | Ca(Nd,Ce,La)2(CO3)3F2 |
| 5.BD.20a | Bastnäsite-(Y) | Y(CO3)F |
| 5.BD.20b | Parisite-(La) | CaLa2(CO3)3F2 |
| 5.BD.20d | Röntgenite-(Ce) | Ca2(Ce,La)3(CO3)5F3 |
| 5.BD.20a | Thorbastnäsite | ThCa(CO3)2F2 · 3H2O |
| 5.BD.20a | Hydroxylbastnäsite-(Ce) | Ce(CO3)(OH) |
| 5.BD.20a | Hydroxylbastnäsite-(Nd) | Nd(CO3)(OH) |
| 5.BD.20c | 'Hydroxylsynchysite-(Ce)' | Ca(Ce,La)(CO3)2(OH) |
| 5.BD.20c | 'Synchysite-(La)' | Ca(La,Nd)(CO3)2F |
| 5.BD.20a | Bastnäsite-(Nd) | Nd(CO3)F |
| 5.BD.20a | Hydroxylbastnäsite-(La) | (La,Nd,Ce)(CO3)(OH,F) |
| 5.BD.25 | Qaqarssukite-(Ce) | Ba(Ce,REE)(CO3)2F |
| 5.BD.25 | Horváthite-(Y) | NaY(CO3)F2 |
| 5.BD.35 | Huanghoite-(Ce) | BaCe(CO3)2F |
| 5.BD.35 | Huanghoite-(Nd) | BaNd(CO3)2F |
| 5.BD.45 | Bayanoboite-(Y) | Ba2Y(CO3)2F3 |
Other Information
Notes:
Rather easily soluble in acids.
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Synchysite-(Y)
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3855.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Synchysite-(Y)
Reference List:
Oftedal, Ivar (1931) Über Parisit, Synchysit und Kordylit. Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Mineralogie und Petrographie, 79 (1-6). 437-464 doi:10.1524/zkri.1931.79.1.437
Palache, Charles; Berman, Harry; Frondel, Clifford (1951) The System of Mineralogy (7th ed.) Vol. 2 - Halides, Nitrates, Borates, Carbonates, Sulfates, Phosphates, Arsenates, Tungstates, Molybdates, Etc. John Wiley and Sons.pp.287-289 - as Synchisite
Smith, W. L., Stone, Jerome, Ross, D. R., Levine, H. (1960) Doverite, a possible new yttrium fluocarbonate from Dover, Morris County, New Jersey. American Mineralogist, 45 (1-2) 92-98
Levinson, A. A. (1966) A system of nomenclature for rare-earth minerals. American Mineralogist, 51 (1-2) 152-158
Nickel, Ernest H., Mandarino, Joseph A. (1987) Procedures involving the IMA Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names and guidelines on mineral nomenclature. American Mineralogist, 72 (9-10) 1031-1042
Localities for Synchysite-(Y)
Showing 79 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Angola | |
| Orris et al. (2002) +1 other reference |
| Orris et al. (2002) |
| Orris et al. (2002) |
| Orris et al. (2002) |
| Orris et al. (2002) |
Australia | |
| Huston et al. (2017) |
| Steve Sorrell Collection |
Austria | |
| Kolitsch et al. (2018) |
| Strasser (1989) |
| Strasser (1989) |
| Strasser (1989) | |
Brazil | |
| Grainger et al. (2008) |
| Orris et al. (2002) |
Canada | |
| Hogarth et al. (1974) |
China | |
| Duan et al. (2025) |
| Gong et al. (2023) +3 other references |
| Rucheng Wang et al. (2003) |
| Zhao et al. (2022) +1 other reference |
| Zhao et al. (2022) |
| Yunhuai Lin and Shiyang Chen (1985) +1 other reference |
| Deqian Chen et al. (1994) +2 other references | |
| Zhiwei Bao and Zhenhua Zhao (2008) |
Czech Republic | |
| Scharm +7 other references |
Finland | |
| Lahti Seppo I. 2011. Kotkan ... |
| Pavel M. Kartashov analytical data ... |
| Pavel M. Kartashov analytical data 2019 |
Germany | |
| Walenta (1992) |
| Haack et al. (1987) |
| Förster (2001) |
Hungary | |
| SZAKÁLL et al. (2003) |
Italy | |
| |
| Enrico Bonacina |
| imgdb.amiminerals.it (n.d.) | |
| imgdb.amiminerals.it (n.d.) | |
| 'Apatite' - Monazite- (Ce) |
| Stara et al. (1996) |
| Stara et al. (1996) |
| Stara P. (1996) | |
Japan | |
| Kato (1973) +2 other references |
| Nishio–Hamane et al. (2022) |
Kyrgyzstan | |
| |
Madagascar | |
| Wolfgang Hampel (2011) |
Malawi | |
| Orris et al. (2002) |
Mali | |
| Orris et al. (2002) |
Mongolia | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) +1 other reference |
Namibia | |
| Harmer et al. (2016) |
| Orris et al. (2002) |
Norway | |
| Husdal (2021) |
| XRD +2 other references |
| Husdal (2008) +1 other reference | |
| Kristiansen (1998) |
Romania | |
| Hirtopanu (2006) |
| HÎRTOPANU et al. (2014) |
Saudi Arabia | |
| Barrick Gold Corporation |
South Africa | |
| VERWOERD (1993) |
South Korea | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) |
Sweden | |
| Otter (2003) |
Switzerland | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| |
| Stalder et al. (1998) | |
Ukraine | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) +1 other reference |
USA | |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Simmons et al. (1980) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) | |
| Simmons et al. (1980) | |
| Simmons et al. (1980) | |
| Eckel et al. (1997) | |
| Simmons et al. (1980) | |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Simmons et al. (1980) | |
| Robert Wilken collection |
| USGS PP1049-A (Staatz,1979) |
| Buchholz et al. (2013) |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Klemic +4 other references |
| Chamberlain (2012) |
| Robinson et al. (2007) +1 other reference |
| Smith (1991) |
| Kongsberg Mineral Symposium 2008 |
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Cuasso al Monte, Varese Province, Lombardy, Italy