Byelorussite-(Ce) is a rare silicate mineral primarily found in the complex alkaline rocks of the Kola Peninsula. It typically occurs as small, flattened, yellow-to-brown tabular crystals embedded within pegmatitic environments. Collectors usually acquire it in suite-style specimens alongside other rare accessory minerals from the Lovozero or Khibiny massifs.
Is this byelorussite-(ce)?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch byelorussite-(ce) with a known reference. Byelorussite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Byelorussite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Byelorussite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Byelorussite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside byelorussite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with byelorussite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Ce₂Ti₂Si₄O₁₄(F,OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 4.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300+ per specimen
Where rockhounds find byelorussite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where byelorussite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline 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 byelorussite-(ce)?+
Where is byelorussite-(ce) found?+
How much is byelorussite-(ce) worth?+
What rocks look like byelorussite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with byelorussite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does byelorussite-(ce) form in?+
What is byelorussite-(ce) used for?+
Find byelorussite-(ce) on the map
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