Anzaite-(Ce) is a rare radioactive titanium-niobium mineral belonging to the aeschynite group. It is typically found as small, dark, submetallic prismatic crystals within alkaline pegmatite environments, often identified by its distinct chemical composition and specific geological associations.
Is this anzaite-(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 anzaite-(ce) with a known reference. Anzaite-(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. Anzaite-(Ce) leaves a brownish-black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Anzaite-(Ce) typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Anzaite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Anzaite-(Ce) leaves brownish-black, Aeschynite-(Ce) leaves yellowish-brown to black; luster reads submetallic on Anzaite-(Ce) and resinous to submetallic on Aeschynite-(Ce).
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Anzaite-(Ce) leaves brownish-black, Euxenite-(Y) leaves yellowish-brown.
Often found alongside anzaite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with anzaite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ce,Ca,Sr,Th)(Ti,Nb)₂(O,OH)₆
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 4.96 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brownish-black
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find anzaite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Anza, Tanzania
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where anzaite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing allanite, zircon, feldspar in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify anzaite-(ce)?+
Where is anzaite-(ce) found?+
How much is anzaite-(ce) worth?+
Is anzaite-(ce) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like anzaite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with anzaite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does anzaite-(ce) form in?+
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Find anzaite-(ce) on the map
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