Cerianite-(Ce) is a rare cerium-dominant oxide mineral typically occurring as microscopic inclusions in other minerals like fluorite. It is chemically related to the fluorite group and is noted for its high density and radioactive thorium content.
Is this cerianite-(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 cerianite-(ce) with a known reference. Cerianite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Cerianite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Cerianite-(Ce) typically shows a subadamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-brown, grayish-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: anhedral grains, inclusions in other minerals.
Often confused with
Cerianite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Cerianite-(Ce) leaves white, Uraninite leaves brownish-black to greenish-black; luster reads subadamantine on Cerianite-(Ce) and submetallic to dull on Uraninite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Cerianite-(Ce) leaves white, Thorianite leaves grayish-black; luster reads subadamantine on Cerianite-(Ce) and submetallic on Thorianite.
Often found alongside cerianite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with cerianite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ce,Th)O₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5
- Density
- 7.2-7.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Subadamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains, Inclusions in Other Minerals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Carbonatites, Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per small specimen
Where rockhounds find cerianite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Ontario, Canada
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Sweden
- Madagascar
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, carbonatites, syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where cerianite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing monazite, baddeleyite, zircon in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, inclusions in other minerals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify cerianite-(ce)?+
Where is cerianite-(ce) found?+
How much is cerianite-(ce) worth?+
Is cerianite-(ce) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like cerianite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with cerianite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does cerianite-(ce) form in?+
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Find cerianite-(ce) on the map
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