Dingdaohengite-(Ce) is a rare mineral belonging to the perrierite group, typically occurring in complex carbonatite-hosted environments. It is characterized by its dark, often tabular crystals and submetallic luster. It is primarily sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors due to its restricted occurrence at the Bayan Obo deposit.
Is this dingdaohengite-(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 dingdaohengite-(ce) with a known reference. Dingdaohengite-(Ce) sits at Mohs ~5.9, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: brown.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: submetallic-metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: euhedral crystals, prismatic, tabular.
Often confused with
Dingdaohengite-(Ce) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside dingdaohengite-(ce)
Minerals reported to co-occur with dingdaohengite-(ce). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ce,La)₄Fe(Ti,Fe,Mg,Fe)₂Ti₂Si₄O₂₂
- Mohs hardness
- ~5.9
- Density
- 4.83 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brown
- Luster
- Submetallic-metallic
- Transparency
- Translucent to opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Euhedral crystals, prismatic, tabular
- Cleavage
- None observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In magnesian skarn in the excontact of granite within dolomitic marble
Where rockhounds find dingdaohengite-(ce)
Classic worldwide localities
- Bayan Obo REE-Nb-Fe mine, near Baotou city, Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region, North China
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In magnesian skarn in the excontact of granite within dolomitic marble. If you start seeing diopside, tremolite, richterite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: euhedral crystals, prismatic, tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify dingdaohengite-(ce)?+
Where is dingdaohengite-(ce) found?+
Is dingdaohengite-(ce) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like dingdaohengite-(ce)?+
What minerals are found with dingdaohengite-(ce)?+
What kind of rock does dingdaohengite-(ce) form in?+
What is dingdaohengite-(ce) used for?+
Find dingdaohengite-(ce) on the map
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