Polycrase

Polycrase or polycrase-(Y) is a black or brown metallic complex uranium yttrium oxide mineral with formula: (Y,Ca,Ce,U,Th)(Ti,Nb,Ta)₂O₆. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system with typically radial prismatic crystal form. It has a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6 and a specific gravity of 5. It is radioactive due to its uranium content (around 6%). It occurs in granitic pegmatites.

Additional recommended knowledge

Weighing the right way

Daily Visual Balance Check

Guide to balance cleaning: 8 simple steps

It was first described in 1870 at Rasvag, Hidra (Hittero) Island, near Flekkefjord, Norway. It is found in Sweden, Norway, and the United States.

References

• Mindat with location data
• Webmineral