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

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Arisite-(Ce)

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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 3-3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: beige, beige-yellow, pinkish, silvery.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. 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: NaCe₂(CO₃)₂[(F₂)₀(CO₃)₁]F
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 4.126 g/cm³
Colors: BeigeBeige-yellowPinkishSilvery
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Platy crystals
Cleavage: Poor on {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: alkaline igneous rocks

Where rockhounds find arisite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Ariskop and Railroad (Aris phonolite) quarry, central Namibia
Quebec, Canada from Mont Saint-Hilaire and the Varennes quarry (Saint-Amable sill), Verchères County

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: alkaline igneous rocks. If you start seeing villiaumite, aegirine, labuntsovite-group minerals in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify arisite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include beige, beige-yellow, pinkish, silvery.

Where is arisite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Ariskop and Railroad (Aris phonolite) quarry, central Namibia; Quebec, Canada from Mont Saint-Hilaire and the Varennes quarry (Saint-Amable sill), Verchères County.

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

Arisite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Villiaumite, Aegirine, Labuntsovite-group minerals, Tuperssuatsiaite, Natrolite, Analcime. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Where it forms: 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

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