Braitschite-(Ce) is a very rare hydrated calcium cerium borate mineral typically found in marine evaporite deposits. It usually occurs as small, delicate platy crystals or granular masses embedded within potash or halite beds. Collectors generally look for it in specialized research-grade collections focusing on rare borate mineralogy.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Semitransparent

mineralrare

Braitschite-(Ce)

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Semitransparent

No image

Is this braitschite-(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 braitschite-(ce) with a known reference. Braitschite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 3, 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: white, colorless, pink.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: hexagonal, microscopic crystals, platy.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside braitschite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₆.₁₅Na₀.₈₅Ce₂[B₆O₇(OH)₃(O,OH)₃]₄·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.903 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pink
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Semitransparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Hexagonal, microscopic crystals, platy
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In anhydrite at the contact with sylvite in a thick sequence of marine evaporites, at a depth of about 1 km

Where rockhounds find braitschite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Cane Creek potash mine, about 13 km southwest of Moab, and in the CC-1 well, about 1.8 km south of that mine, Grand Co., Utah, USA

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In anhydrite at the contact with sylvite in a thick sequence of marine evaporites, at a depth of about 1 km. If you start seeing anhydrite, dolomite, halite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: hexagonal, microscopic crystals, platy. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify braitschite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 3. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, pink.

Where is braitschite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Cane Creek potash mine, about 13 km southwest of Moab, and in the CC-1 well, about 1.8 km south of that mine, Grand Co., Utah, USA.

What rocks look like braitschite-(ce)?+

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

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

Braitschite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Anhydrite, Dolomite, Halite, Hematite, Chalcopyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Where it forms: In anhydrite at the contact with sylvite in a thick sequence of marine evaporites, at a depth of about 1 km. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is braitschite-(ce) used for?+

Braitschite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find braitschite-(ce) on the map

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