Thortveitite
A variety of Minerals
What is Thortveitite?
Thortveitite is a mineral consisting of scandium yttrium silicate (Sc,Y)2Si2O7. It is the primary source of scandium. Occurrence is in granitic pegmatites. It was named after Olaus Thortveit, a Norwegian 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.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Thortveitite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Thortveitite Localities Map
See where Thortveitite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Greyish-green, black, grey, blue, yellow, brown
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6 - 7
- Streak
- white
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Sc2Si2O7 Often contains Y (and minor HREE) replacing Sc.
- Elements
- O, Sc, Si
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Thortveitite FAQs
How do I identify Thortveitite?
Thortveitite can be identified by its hardness of 6 - 7 on the Mohs scale, Greyish-green color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Thortveitite?
Thortveitite typically appears in Greyish-green, black, grey, blue, yellow, brown. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Thortveitite?
Thortveitite has a hardness of 6 - 7 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
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