Alnaperbøeite-(Ce) is an extremely rare silicate mineral identified from alkaline complexes. It typically presents as small, brownish tabular crystals found embedded within nepheline syenites and related igneous formations.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareAlnaperbøeite Group family

Alnaperbøeite-(Ce)

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this alnaperbøeite-(ce)?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch alnaperbøeite-(ce) with a known reference. Alnaperbøeite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Alnaperbøeite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Alnaperbøeite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, yellowish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Alnaperbøeite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Alnaperbøeite-(Ce) leaves white, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads vitreous on Alnaperbøeite-(Ce) and submetallic on Allanite.

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Often found alongside alnaperbøeite-(ce)

Minerals reported to co-occur with alnaperbøeite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: CaCeFe²⁺Al₂(Si₂O₇)(SiO₄)O(OH)
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 4.2-4.5 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Yellowish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic to Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find alnaperbøeite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Alnø Complex, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where alnaperbøeite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, k-feldspar in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify alnaperbøeite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include brown, yellowish-brown.

Where is alnaperbøeite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Alnø Complex, Sweden.

How much is alnaperbøeite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like alnaperbøeite-(ce)?+

Alnaperbøeite-(Ce) is most often confused with Epidote, Allanite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with alnaperbøeite-(ce)?+

Alnaperbøeite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Nepheline, K-feldspar. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does alnaperbøeite-(ce) form in?+

Alnaperbøeite-(Ce) typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is alnaperbøeite-(ce) used for?+

Alnaperbøeite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find alnaperbøeite-(ce) on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.