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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: subadamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: greenish yellow, resin brown, dark greenish brown.
- 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, so Cerianite-(Ce) leaves white, Uraninite leaves brownish black, gray, olive-green, shining; luster reads subadamantine on Cerianite-(Ce) and submetallic to greasy, dull on Uraninite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Cerianite-(Ce) leaves white, Thorianite leaves gray to greenish gray; luster reads subadamantine on Cerianite-(Ce) and submetallic when fresh, altering to resinous or hornlike 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
- CeO₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5
- Density
- 7.216 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Subadamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent to transparent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral grains, inclusions in other minerals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- Sparingly, in partially absorbed inclusions of wall-rock in a dikelike zone of carbonate rock cutting nepheline syenite (Sudbury, Canada)
Where rockhounds find cerianite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Paramount Canyon, Taylor Creek district, Catron Co., New Mexico, and on North Sugarloaf Mountain, Bethlehem, Grafton Co., New Hampshire, USA
- Canon Colorado, Sierra de Bermjillo, Durango, Mexico
- Morro do Ferro, Pocos de Caldas plateau, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Kabuland, Iveland, Norway
- Tysfjorden, Nordland, Norway
- Hoydalen, Telemark, Norway
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Sparingly, in partially absorbed inclusions of wall-rock in a dikelike zone of carbonate rock cutting nepheline syenite (Sudbury, Canada). If you start seeing nepheline, tremolite, feldspar in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains, inclusions in other minerals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify cerianite-(ce)?+
Where is cerianite-(ce) found?+
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?+
What is cerianite-(ce) used for?+
Find cerianite-(ce) on the map
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