Biraite-(Ce) is an extremely rare cerium-iron carbonate-silicate typically found in alkaline rock formations. It usually occurs as small, tabular, yellowish-brown crystals and is primarily a target for advanced systematic mineral collectors due to its limited type locality in the Russian Far East.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Biraite-(Ce)

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

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Is this biraite-(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 biraite-(ce) with a known reference. Biraite-(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. Biraite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Biraite-(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: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Allanite

Mohs 5.5-6

How to tell apart: Allanite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5.5-6 vs. 4); streak differs — Biraite-(Ce) leaves white, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads vitreous on Biraite-(Ce) and submetallic on Allanite.

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Often found alongside biraite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ce₂Fe(CO₃)₂(Si₂O₇)
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 3.9 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find biraite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Bira River, Russia
Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify biraite-(ce)?+

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

Where is biraite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Bira River, Russia; Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is biraite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like biraite-(ce)?+

Biraite-(Ce) is most often confused with Allanite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

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

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

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

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

What is biraite-(ce) used for?+

Biraite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find biraite-(ce) on the map

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