Xenotime is named after Greek "kenos" - vain plus "time" - honor, because its contained yttrium had been mistakenly thought to be a new element.

Xenotime forms translucent to opaque yellowish brown, greenish brown, reddish brown, brown, gray prismatic crystals or radial aggregates.

Crystals of gem-quality are very rare.

This table shows the variety of hues this gemstone can be found in. Click on a photo for more information.