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

Translucent

mineralrare

Braitschite-(Ce)

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

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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. Braitschite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Braitschite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, yellow, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates.

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: (Ca,Na)₇(Ce,La)₂Ti(B₈O₃₀)(OH)₂·10H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 3.37 g/cm³
Colors: White Yellow Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Evaporite Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find braitschite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Paradox Member of the Hermosa Formation, Utah, USA
Potash deposits of the Paradox Basin, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in evaporite deposits country — that is the host setting where braitschite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing halite, sylvite, anhydrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify braitschite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, yellow, colorless.

Where is braitschite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Paradox Member of the Hermosa Formation, Utah, USA; Potash deposits of the Paradox Basin, USA.

How much is braitschite-(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 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 halite, sylvite, anhydrite, glauberite, boracite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Braitschite-(Ce) typically forms in evaporite deposits. 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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