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, 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.