Mineral Database

Mineral Database
Mineralogy of Wales

Chernovite-(Y)

Crystal System: Tetragonal
Formula: YAsO4
Status of Occurrence: Confirmed Occurrence - 1st UK recording
Distribution: Rare
Chemical Composition: Yttrium arsenate
Method(s) of Verification:

SEM EDS at the National Museum of Wales.

Chemical Group:
  • Arsenates
Introduction:

a rare member of the xenotime group of minerals known from just a few localities worldwide. Typically chernovite-(Y) occurs in altered rhyolites, in pegmatite, or within "Alpine-type" veins.

Occurrence in Wales:

Kerbey (2013) described minute spots of chernovite-(Y) with dravite in green reduction spots in lower Cambrian slates from Alexandra Quarry, Gwynedd.

Key Localities:
  • Alexandra Quarry, Rhosgadfan, Gwynedd: Kerbey (2013) reported the first definite British occurrence of chernovite-(Y) from Alexandra Quarry.
References:
  • Kerbey, H.C., 2013 Chernovite-(Y) in reduction spots in Welsh slate. 

    Journal of the Russell Society, 16, 60-63.