Calcioancylite-(Ce) is a rare secondary carbonate mineral often found as small, sharp, pseudo-octahedral crystals. It is primarily identified in alkaline igneous environments, especially famous in the nepheline syenites of Mont Saint-Hilaire. Collectors prize it for its distinct, geometric habit and its occurrence in complex mineral assemblages associated with rare-earth element deposits.
Is this calcioancylite-(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 calcioancylite-(ce) with a known reference. Calcioancylite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 4-4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Calcioancylite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Calcioancylite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, tan, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: pseudo-octahedral crystals, bipyramidal, dipyramidal.
Often confused with
Calcioancylite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside calcioancylite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with calcioancylite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaCe(CO₃)₂(OH)·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4-4.5
- Density
- 3.9-4.0 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Pseudo-octahedral Crystals, Bipyramidal, Dipyramidal
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Study
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Pegmatites, Carbonatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on crystal size and clarity
Where rockhounds find calcioancylite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Fen Complex, Norway
- Narssarssuk, Greenland
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, pegmatites, carbonatites country — that is the host setting where calcioancylite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, sodalite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a pseudo-octahedral crystals, bipyramidal, dipyramidal habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify calcioancylite-(ce)?+
Where is calcioancylite-(ce) found?+
How much is calcioancylite-(ce) worth?+
What rocks look like calcioancylite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with calcioancylite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does calcioancylite-(ce) form in?+
What is calcioancylite-(ce) used for?+
Find calcioancylite-(ce) on the map
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