Bussyite-(Ce) is a rare beryllium-silicate mineral found within alkaline igneous environments, specifically agpaitic pegmatites. It typically occurs as small yellowish-brown tabular crystals and is prized almost exclusively by advanced systematic mineral collectors due to its extreme rarity.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGadolinite Supergroup family

Bussyite-(Ce)

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this bussyite-(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 bussyite-(ce) with a known reference. Bussyite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bussyite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Bussyite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-brown, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside bussyite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₄Ce₂REE(Be₂Si₂O₈)(SiO₄)F₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 3.32 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-brown Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Subparallel Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Agpaitic Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find bussyite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia
Lovozero Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify bussyite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-brown, brown.

Where is bussyite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia; Lovozero Massif, Russia.

How much is bussyite-(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 bussyite-(ce)?+

Bussyite-(Ce) is most often confused with Gadolinite-(Y), Vesuvianite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

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

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

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

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

What is bussyite-(ce) used for?+

Bussyite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find bussyite-(ce) on the map

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