Abenakiite-(Ce) is a rare sodium-cerium silicate found almost exclusively in the alkaline igneous rocks of Mont Saint-Hilaire. It typically occurs as small, unremarkable yellow-brown grains embedded in sodalite-rich syenite xenoliths. Due to its radioactive content and extreme rarity, it is highly sought after by advanced collectors of alkaline complex minerals.
Is this abenakiite-(ce)?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch abenakiite-(ce) with a known reference. Abenakiite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pale brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: euhedral crystals.
Often confused with
Abenakiite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside abenakiite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with abenakiite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂₆Ce₆(SiO₃)₆(PO₄)₆(CO₃)₆(SO₂)O
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 3.21 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Euhedral crystals
- Cleavage
- Poor on {0001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A single crystal embedded in sodalite in a xenolith of sodalite syenite
Where rockhounds find abenakiite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Poudrette Quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Rouville County, Quebec, Canada (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A single crystal embedded in sodalite in a xenolith of sodalite syenite. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: euhedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify abenakiite-(ce)?+
Where is abenakiite-(ce) found?+
Is abenakiite-(ce) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like abenakiite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with abenakiite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does abenakiite-(ce) form in?+
What is abenakiite-(ce) used for?+
Find abenakiite-(ce) on the map
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