Chukhrovite-(Ce) is a rare calcium-cerium aluminum sulfate-fluoride mineral often forming sharp, octahedral crystals. It is most commonly found in hydrothermal deposits and is highly prized by mineral collectors for its distinctive cubic symmetry and complex crystal surface structures.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareChukhrovite Group family

Chukhrovite-(Ce)

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this chukhrovite-(ce)?

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 chukhrovite-(ce) with a known reference. Chukhrovite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chukhrovite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Chukhrovite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale violet, pale blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals, often with stepped faces or hoppered growths.

Often confused with

Chukhrovite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside chukhrovite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₄CeAl(SO₄)F₁₃·10H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.9 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Violet Pale Blue
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Octahedral Crystals, Often with Stepped Faces or Hoppered Growths
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find chukhrovite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Kara-Oba deposit, Kazakhstan
Mushiston deposit, Tajikistan
Bolshoi Sayany, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where chukhrovite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing fluorite, quartz, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals, often with stepped faces or hoppered growths habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify chukhrovite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, pale violet, pale blue.

Where is chukhrovite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Kara-Oba deposit, Kazakhstan; Mushiston deposit, Tajikistan; Bolshoi Sayany, Russia.

How much is chukhrovite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like chukhrovite-(ce)?+

Chukhrovite-(Ce) is most often confused with Fluorite, Chukhrovite-(Y), Chukhrovite-(Nd). A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with chukhrovite-(ce)?+

Chukhrovite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Fluorite, Quartz, Galena, Cerussite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does chukhrovite-(ce) form in?+

Chukhrovite-(Ce) typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is chukhrovite-(ce) used for?+

Chukhrovite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find chukhrovite-(ce) on the map

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