Coskrenite-(Ce) is a rare cerium oxalate mineral found primarily in alkaline igneous environments. It typically forms as delicate, tabular, pale yellow crystals or radiating clusters within vugs or cavities of pegmatite host rocks.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Coskrenite-(Ce)

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside coskrenite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ce,Nd,La)₂(C₂O₄)₃·10H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 2.61 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Radiating Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites, Hydrothermal Cavities
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and rarity

Where rockhounds find coskrenite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Russia
Zagi Mountain, Pakistan

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites, hydrothermal cavities country — that is the host setting where coskrenite-(ce) typically forms. If you start seeing synchysite-(ce), parisite-(ce), quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify coskrenite-(ce)?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, pale yellow.

Where is coskrenite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Russia; Zagi Mountain, Pakistan.

How much is coskrenite-(ce) worth?+

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

What rocks look like coskrenite-(ce)?+

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

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

Coskrenite-(Ce) commonly co-occurs with Synchysite-(Ce), Parisite-(Ce), Quartz, Microcline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

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

Coskrenite-(Ce) typically forms in alkaline pegmatites, hydrothermal cavities. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is coskrenite-(ce) used for?+

Coskrenite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find coskrenite-(ce) on the map

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