Euxenite -(Y)

A sharp, well formed, euxenite crystal, nearly complete all around. There is a small area of missing material on the side, but it appears complete from most viewing angles. An excellent representative example of the species.

Euxenite, more precisely termed euxenite-(Y) (with the “Y” denoting yttrium), is often referred to as a “trash can mineral” due to its ability to incorporate a wide variety of elements into its crystal structure—particularly rare earth elements that are less readily accepted by other minerals. These elements can be of considerable economic interest, making euxenite a potential ore. Its name derives from the Greek for “hospitable,” a nod to its accommodating nature.