Cebaite-(Ce) is a rare barium-cerium carbonate mineral typically found in complex alkaline igneous rocks and carbonatites. It often appears as small, thin, tabular crystals that can be confused with other rare-earth carbonates like bastnäsite. Collectors usually acquire this mineral through specialized rare-earth locality collections.
Is this cebaite-(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 cebaite-(ce) with a known reference. Cebaite-(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. Cebaite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Cebaite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, platy aggregates.
Often found alongside cebaite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with cebaite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ba₃Ce₂(CO₃)₅F₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 4.4-4.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Platy Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Carbonatites, Rare-earth Element Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find cebaite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Bayan Obo, Inner Mongolia, China
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in carbonatites, rare-earth element deposits country — that is the host setting where cebaite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing fluorite, barite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, platy aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify cebaite-(ce)?+
Where is cebaite-(ce) found?+
How much is cebaite-(ce) worth?+
What minerals are found with cebaite-(ce)?+
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Find cebaite-(ce) on the map
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