Clinofergusonite-(Ce) is a rare monoclinic rare-earth mineral belonging to the fergusonite group. It is typically found in rare-element granitic pegmatites, often occurring as dark, prismatic crystals that may appear resinous or subadamantine.
Is this clinofergusonite-(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 clinofergusonite-(ce) with a known reference. Clinofergusonite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 5.5-6.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: yellowish-gray.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: subadamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brown, yellowish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic, pyramidal, or massive.
Often confused with
Clinofergusonite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Clinofergusonite-(Ce) leaves yellowish-gray, Fergusonite-(Y) leaves brown, yellow-brown, greenish gray; luster reads subadamantine on Clinofergusonite-(Ce) and dull; vitreous to submetallic on fractures on Fergusonite-(Y).
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Clinofergusonite-(Ce) leaves yellowish-gray, Samarskite-(Y) leaves dark reddish brown to black, yellow-brown; gray when altered; luster reads subadamantine on Clinofergusonite-(Ce) and vitreous to resinous, may be submetallic, splendent; externally dull on Samarskite-(Y).
Often found alongside clinofergusonite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with clinofergusonite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CeNbO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6.5
- Density
- 5.8 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellowish-gray
- Luster
- Subadamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic, pyramidal, or massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- granite pegmatites and alkaline igneous complexes
Where rockhounds find clinofergusonite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Madagascar
- Norway
- Canada
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: granite pegmatites and alkaline igneous complexes. If you start seeing zircon, apatite, allanite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic, pyramidal, or massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify clinofergusonite-(ce)?+
Where is clinofergusonite-(ce) found?+
Is clinofergusonite-(ce) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like clinofergusonite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with clinofergusonite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does clinofergusonite-(ce) form in?+
What is clinofergusonite-(ce) used for?+
Find clinofergusonite-(ce) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
