Cordylite-(La) is a rare barium-cerium-lanthanum carbonate mineral typically found in nepheline syenites and associated pegmatites. It forms distinct, clear-to-translucent hexagonal tabular crystals that are highly prized by systematic mineral collectors. It is most famous for its occurrence in the complex alkaline rocks of Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada.
Is this cordylite-(la)?
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 cordylite-(la) with a known reference. Cordylite-(La) sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Cordylite-(La) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Cordylite-(La) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, hexagonal prisms.
Often found alongside cordylite-(la)
Minerals reported to co-occur with cordylite-(la). 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
- 4.35 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Hexagonal Prisms
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on crystal size and quality
Where rockhounds find cordylite-(la)
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Fen Complex, Norway
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, pegmatites country — that is the host setting where cordylite-(la) typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, hexagonal prisms habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify cordylite-(la)?+
Where is cordylite-(la) found?+
How much is cordylite-(la) worth?+
What minerals are found with cordylite-(la)?+
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Find cordylite-(la) on the map
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