Daqingshanite-(Ce) is an extremely rare strontium-cerium carbonate phosphate mineral primarily found in rare-earth-rich deposits. It usually occurs as small rhombohedral crystals within carbonatite environments. Collectors value it for its unusual composition and rarity in high-quality specimens.
Is this daqingshanite-(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 daqingshanite-(ce) with a known reference. Daqingshanite-(Ce) sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to greasy.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, light yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals.
Often confused with
Daqingshanite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside daqingshanite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with daqingshanite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Sr₃CePO₄(CO₃)₃
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.81 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Rhombohedral crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {1011}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- In rare-earth-bearing carbonatite-derived biotite dolomite at the footwall of an iron orebody (Bayan Obo deposit, China); in an intrusive alkalic gabbro-syenite complex (Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada)
Where rockhounds find daqingshanite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Western Bayan Obo Fe–Nb–RE deposit, 130 km north of Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
- Nkombwa Hill carbonatite, Zambia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In rare-earth-bearing carbonatite-derived biotite dolomite at the footwall of an iron orebody (Bayan Obo deposit, China); in an intrusive alkalic gabbro-syenite complex (Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada). If you start seeing benstonite, huntite, strontianite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify daqingshanite-(ce)?+
Where is daqingshanite-(ce) found?+
What rocks look like daqingshanite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with daqingshanite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does daqingshanite-(ce) form in?+
What is daqingshanite-(ce) used for?+
Find daqingshanite-(ce) on the map
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