Cordylite-(Ce) is a rare carbonate mineral typically occurring as hexagonal tabular crystals in alkaline pegmatites. It is highly sought after by collectors of rare earth minerals for its distinct habit and association with other unique mineral species in environments like Mont Saint-Hilaire.

Hardness

4.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Cordylite-(Ce)

Hardness: 4.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this cordylite-(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 cordylite-(ce) with a known reference. Cordylite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Cordylite-(Ce) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Cordylite-(Ce) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside cordylite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaBaCeF(CO₃)₂
Mohs hardness: 4.5
Density: 4.31 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct On Basal Plane
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks and Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-500 depending on crystal quality and size

Where rockhounds find cordylite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Kola Peninsula, Russia
Khibiny Massif, Russia
Narssârssuk, Greenland

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks and pegmatites country — that is the host setting where cordylite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify cordylite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, gray.

Where is cordylite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada; Kola Peninsula, Russia; Khibiny Massif, Russia; Narssârssuk, Greenland.

How much is cordylite-(ce) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on crystal quality and size. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like cordylite-(ce)?+

Cordylite-(Ce) is most often confused with Parisite-(Ce), Synchysite-(Ce). A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

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

Cordylite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Microcline, Albite, Eudialyte, Fluorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Cordylite-(Ce) typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks and pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is cordylite-(ce) used for?+

Cordylite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find cordylite-(ce) on the map

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