Ancylite-(Ce) typically occurs as small, complex, pseudooctahedral crystals that are often found in cavities of alkaline rocks. It is a rare earth carbonate prized by collectors for its sharp crystal morphology and association with exotic pegmatite minerals. Look for its characteristic brownish to yellowish color and vitreous luster in samples from localities like Mont Saint-Hilaire.

Hardness

4-4.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineraluncommonAncylite Group family

Ancylite-(Ce)

Hardness: 4-4.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this ancylite-(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 ancylite-(ce) with a known reference. Ancylite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 4-4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ancylite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ancylite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, reddish-brown, colorless, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: pseudooctahedral crystals, dipyramidal, tabular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside ancylite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: SrCe(CO₃)₂(OH)·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 4-4.5
Density: 3.9-4.0 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Reddish-brown Colorless Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Pseudooctahedral Crystals, Dipyramidal, Tabular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks and Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-150 for thumbnail to small cabinet specimens

Where rockhounds find ancylite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Narsarsuk, Greenland
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Kola Peninsula, Russia
Fen Complex, Norway

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks and pegmatites country — that is the host setting where ancylite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a pseudooctahedral crystals, dipyramidal, tabular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ancylite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 4-4.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, reddish-brown, colorless.

Where is ancylite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Narsarsuk, Greenland; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada; Kola Peninsula, Russia; Fen Complex, Norway.

How much is ancylite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 for thumbnail to small cabinet specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like ancylite-(ce)?+

Ancylite-(Ce) is most often confused with Parisite-(Ce), Synchysite-(Ce), Cordylite-(Ce). A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

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

Ancylite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Microcline, Albite, Siderite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

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

What is ancylite-(ce) used for?+

Ancylite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find ancylite-(ce) on the map

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