Aeschynite-(Ce) is a rare-earth-bearing complex oxide typically found as dark, tabular crystals in pegmatite bodies. Collectors should look for its distinct resinous luster and often heavily striated crystal faces. It is significantly radioactive, requiring careful handling and storage techniques for the long-term protection of the collector and other minerals.
Is this aeschynite-(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 aeschynite-(ce) with a known reference. Aeschynite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Aeschynite-(Ce) leaves a yellowish-brown to black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Aeschynite-(Ce) typically shows a resinous to submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark brown, yellowish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, flattened or tabular.
Often confused with
Aeschynite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Aeschynite-(Ce) leaves yellowish-brown to black, Euxenite leaves yellowish, grayish, or reddish-brown; luster reads resinous to submetallic on Aeschynite-(Ce) and submetallic, resinous, greasy on Euxenite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Aeschynite-(Ce) leaves yellowish-brown to black, Columbium Ore leaves dark red to black; luster reads resinous to submetallic on Aeschynite-(Ce) and submetallic on Columbium Ore.
Often found alongside aeschynite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with aeschynite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ce,Ca,Fe,Th)(Ti,Nb)₂O₆
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 4.9-5.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellowish-brown to Black
- Luster
- Resinous to Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Flattened or Tabular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Source of Rare Earth Elements
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites, Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail to miniature
Where rockhounds find aeschynite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Ilmen Mountains, Russia
- Norway
- Madagascar
- Colorado, USA
- Sri Lanka
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites, syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where aeschynite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing zircon, monazite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, flattened or tabular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify aeschynite-(ce)?+
Where is aeschynite-(ce) found?+
How much is aeschynite-(ce) worth?+
Is aeschynite-(ce) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like aeschynite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with aeschynite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does aeschynite-(ce) form in?+
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Find aeschynite-(ce) on the map
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