Search Mineralpedia – A Mineral Photo Database and Identification Guide

Named for its streak color from the Greek xanthos, meaning “yellow,” and konis, meaning “powder.” It is found in several localities including the Czech Republic, Germany, Romania, France, Chile, Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Found in small amounts, Xanthoconite occurs as a mineral in hydrothermal veins associated with silver sulfosalts.

Ref. Handbook of Mineralogy, Anthony et al (1995) and MSA at http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/xanthoconite.pdf

The yttrium in Xenotime had been mistaken for a new element at the time of its discovery, hence it being named for the Greek for “vain” and “honor.” While exceptional crystals are uncommon, there are abundant localities at which Xenotime can be found occurring as an accessory mineral in rocks with alkali to granitic compositions and pegmatites associated with these rocks. It can also be found in Alpine veins, gneiss, and commonly in placer deposits. Xenotime is paramagnetic, meaning it is only magnetically attracted when there is an external magnetic field applied. Xenotime can exhibit a yellow cathodoluminescence. May be susceptible to or resistant to acids, depending on the composition.

Ref. Handbook of Mineralogy, Anthony et al (1995) and MSA at http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/xenotime-(Y).pdf

Named after its appearance as a bunch of grapes, from the Nahua (Aztec) xocomecatl, meaning "grape." Xocomecatlite occurs as “ a rare secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of hydrothermal Au-Te deposits.” It can be found in only two countries worldwide, in the USA and Mexico where Xocomecatlite gets its type locality.

Ref. Handbook of Mineralogy, Anthony et al (1995) and MSA at http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/xocomecatlite.pdf