Ancylite-(La) is a rare strontium-lanthanum carbonate mineral typically found in late-stage crystallization environments within alkaline igneous complexes. Collectors should look for small, sharp, pseudo-octahedral crystals often nestled in vugs or cavities alongside other rare earth minerals.
Is this ancylite-(la)?
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 ancylite-(la) with a known reference. Ancylite-(La) sits at Mohs 4-4.5, 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: yellow, yellowish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: crystalline, pyramidal.
Often confused with
Ancylite-(La) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ancylite-(la)
Minerals reported to co-occur with ancylite-(la). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- SrLa(CO₃)₂(OH)·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4-4.5
- Density
- 3.69 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Crystalline, pyramidal
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A rare mineral in nepheline syenites in differentiated alkalic massifs
Where rockhounds find ancylite-(la)
Classic worldwide localities
- Marchenko Peak, northern part of Mt. Kukisvumchorr, Khibiny massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Saint-Amable, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A rare mineral in nepheline syenites in differentiated alkalic massifs. If you start seeing aegirine, astrophyllite, loparite- in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: crystalline, pyramidal. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ancylite-(la)?+
Where is ancylite-(la) found?+
What rocks look like ancylite-(la)?+
What minerals are found with ancylite-(la)?+
What kind of rock does ancylite-(la) form in?+
What is ancylite-(la) used for?+
Find ancylite-(la) on the map
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