Arisite-(Ce) is a very rare carbonate mineral occurring as small, delicate platy crystals. It is primarily found in the miarolitic cavities of alkaline igneous complexes, most notably at the Aris Quarry in Namibia.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Arisite-(Ce)

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

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

Often found alongside arisite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na(Ce,Ca)₃(CO₃)₃F₂
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 3.55 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find arisite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Aris Quarry, Namibia
Khibiny Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify arisite-(ce)?+

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

Where is arisite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Aris Quarry, Namibia; Khibiny Massif, Russia.

How much is arisite-(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 minerals are found with arisite-(ce)?+

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

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

Arisite-(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 arisite-(ce) used for?+

Arisite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find arisite-(ce) on the map

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