Carbocernaite is a rare carbonate mineral typically found in complex carbonatite deposits and alkaline igneous complexes. It usually occurs as light-colored massive to tabular crystals associated with other rare earth element carbonates and calcite.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Carbocernaite

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

Is this carbocernaite?

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 carbocernaite with a known reference. Carbocernaite 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. Carbocernaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Carbocernaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, yellow, brownish-yellow, reddish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

Carbocernaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside carbocernaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ca,Na,Sr,Ce)(CO₃)₂
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 3.56 g/cm³
Colors: White Yellow Brownish-yellow Reddish
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Carbonatites
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find carbocernaite

Classic worldwide localities

Vuoriyarvi, Russia
Kovdor, Russia
Mount Weld, Australia
Fen Complex, Norway

Field-hunting tip

Look in carbonatites country — that is the host setting where carbocernaite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, dolomite, apatite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify carbocernaite?+

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

Where is carbocernaite found?+

Notable localities include Vuoriyarvi, Russia; Kovdor, Russia; Mount Weld, Australia; Fen Complex, Norway.

How much is carbocernaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like carbocernaite?+

Carbocernaite is most often confused with Dolomite, Calcite, Ankerite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with carbocernaite?+

Carbocernaite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Dolomite, Apatite, Magnetite, Strontianite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does carbocernaite form in?+

Carbocernaite typically forms in carbonatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is carbocernaite used for?+

Carbocernaite is used in collector.

Find carbocernaite on the map

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